The Minnesota Vikings have to be thinking about their quarterback future.
The present isn't great, of course. J.J. McCarthy is hurt, and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer might be forced into his first career start this weekend.
But McCarthy isn't just injured. He also hasn't lived up to the expectations of him as the No. 10 overall pick in 2024.
The Vikings may have to start considering a replacement for him, or at least veteran competition next summer.
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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler laid out three possibilities in that realm in a new report on Wednesday: Mac Jones, Davis Mills and Anthony Richardson.
Here's how he explained it:
"Two interesting names from the high-end QB2 realm are San Francisco's Mac Jones and Houston's Davis Mills. Both are under contract in 2026 at reasonable salaries. Jones has played his way into real trade value for San Francisco, which might be able to parlay a Day 2 pick for him. Houston believes Mills is a top-32 quarterback in the league who could start somewhere. Perhaps GM Nick Caserio gets trade interest on him from Minnesota or elsewhere. O'Connell's track record with veterans is proven, so it feels like that's a viable option for next year, and there's a way to do it without ostracizing McCarthy, via competition. And O'Connell also has respect for Richardson, who could be the next reclamation QB to thrive elsewhere. Richardson has interest in playing for a coach from the Sean McVay tree, either the man himself or a disciple like O'Connell."
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The Vikings let two veterans go this past offseason.
They had revitalized Sam Darnold's career, but he signed a $100 million contract with the Seahawks (who ironically the Vikings play this weekend).
They also had brought Daniel Jones in down the stretch just to be in the building and learn. He left for the Indianapolis Colts, where he's become a star.
The Vikings opted not to go after Aaron Rodgers, who is now having a solid season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
QB is the most important position in sports, and it's one the Vikings will have to set their sights on getting right.
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