‘He can be the guy for sure’ — Former Vikings teammate has strong words about the future of J.J. McCarthy

Not everyone believes the J.J. McCarthy era is over in Minnesota

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings’ signing of Kyler Murray was a signal to some that it was the end of the J.J. McCarthy era. The two are going to have a competition to see who will be the starting quarterback in 2026, and Carson Wentz might be getting in on that competition after signing on Thursday.

We are still a few months away from that competition truly beginning at the beginning of training camp, which leaves a lot of time for discussion and speculation. That won’t just come from fans and analysts, but players will end up weighing in.

Jalen Nailor still believes in J.J. McCarthy

While we won’t likely hear much from his current teammates, as they won’t want to take sides until at the earliest a few weeks into training camp. We will hear from former teammates quicker than his current ones, and Jalen Nailor, who just signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, was the first to speak up in support of McCarthy.

“Oh, he can be the guy for sure,” said Nailor on Up and Adams. “I just feel like it’s a matter of him just still getting those reps in game, and building on what he did this past year, just try to have a clean, healthy season. If he has a clean, healthy season, I think he’ll be fine. He has all the things. Competition is good for him. He’s that kind of guy. He’s the ultimate competitor, in my eyes.”

One thing to remember when you hear former teammates speak: they have the added context of being in the building with them every day. Those elements are really important when having the conversation. Nailor thinks McCarthy can win that battle.

“It’s gonna be a battle. I can tell you that it’s gonna be a great QB battle. I don’t know who’s gonna come out on top. I’m probably rocking with my guy J.J., but you never know, man. You know it’s gonna bring the best out of both of them just to have that chip on their shoulder to go out there and perform like their life depends on it.”

Needless to say, this is going to be a huge offseason for the Vikings.

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