McCarthy vs. Wentz: Debating Who Vikings Should Name as Kyler Murray's Backup

Now that Kyler Murray is their QB1, the Vikings' must determine who is the best pick for the backup job.

Is J.J. McCarthy the Vikings' best backup QB option? | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's no longer news that Kyler Murray is the Vikings' starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, as there's been more than enough time to digest the new reality. Without much surprise, Murray becoming the QB1 has left Vikings fans wondering what to make of J.J. McCarthy'soutlook with the franchise.

For now, head coach Kevin O'Connell has made it crystal clear that the 23-year-old QB is"ready to go" when it comes to taking on backup duties, per Bring Me The News' Will Ragatz. Even though that's another vote of confidence from his head coach, it doesn't exactly sound like O'Connell confirmed that McCarthy would be the de facto QB2—which is especially curious with Carson Wentz lurking in the shadows.

That said, it's time to examine whether McCarthy or Wentz is the better backup option for the Vikings.

J.J. McCarthy's case

Although he started 10 times last season, it's fair to doubt whether McCarthy is the right man for the job given that the results were... less than stellar.

He completed 57.6% of passes for 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 72.6 passer rating. McCarthy's 61.8 overall grade ranked 35th among 43 qualified quarterbacks on Pro Football Focus, giving a clearer picture of where he ranked around the league.

J.J. McCarthy must use every opportunity he can get to prove that he's the right man for the Vikings' QB2 job. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Couple that performance with an underwhelming training camp for the most part, and no one would blame the Vikings for wanting McCarthy to further prove himself. In fact, that's exactly what he should be doing. He's given the doubters too much material—between last season and this summer—to doubt his capabilities, and it's time to use the upcoming preseason slate to silence them. 

As for his case, McCarthy's 10 starts indicate he should slot in seamlessly should he need to step in for Murray at any point. He'll have had another training camp and preseason to work with O'Connell, so there's no excuse not to be better than what we've already seen. Especially if McCarthy is fighting for his future at that point. 

The fact that there are two years plus a fifth-year option remaining on his contract only adds to why the Vikings might want to keep McCarthy rather than expose him to waivers. 

Carson Wentz's case

Bringing in Murray wasn't the only QB-related move the Vikings made this offseason, as they also re-signed Carson Wentz back in March. 

The former Pro Bowler competed with McCarthy for the QB1 job, and while he initially lost, he made five starts as his younger counterpart faltered early on. Unfortunately, injuries—including a season-ending shoulder issue—limited his availability. Wentz finished the 2025 campaign with 1,216 yards, six TDs to five INTs and an 85.8 passer rating with a 65.1% completion rate. 

Injuries prevented Vikings fans from seeing as much of Carson Wentz as they would have liked to last season. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite the injury-plagued year, all signs point to Wentz having a strong training camp so far. 

On Saturday, Vikings OnSI's Jason Harmon mentioned how the former NFL MVP finalist stood out among the rest and "flashed what remained of his mobility at age 33 by taking off for a scramble." The preseason will reveal if the throwback performances in practice are a sign of what he can still do against an actual opponent, but it's safe to say that the early signs are encouraging. 

Of course, the fact that Wentz has 99 regular-season starts and a Super Bowl ring in his collection helps strengthen his QB2 case. On the flip side, his recent injury history gives reason for pause. 

Verdict: McCarthy should be the Vikings' QB2

Yes, last season was a frustrating experience. Yes, he's made some mistakes in training camp and will likely mess up a few more times in the preseason. Still, McCarthy is who the Vikings should roll with behind Murray, rather than choose Wentz. 

Experience and results are on Wentz's side, but McCarthy's age and contract can't be ignored. He also still has O'Connell's trust, and that, regardless of what you think about it, means something. Whether McCarthy repays that trust by taking that next step remains to be seen, though. 

At the end of the day, the Vikings could end up looking foolish by letting McCarthy go (either via cut or trade) and watching him develop into a legitimate starter elsewhere. He might even be ready to overtake Murray next season. Meanwhile, veterans like Wentz—as solid as he's been—can be found throughout the season. 

For now, No. 9 should be QB2. 

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