Minneapolis – Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley told reporters Wednesday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is far from finished with his development and will be on the team’s roster when Minnesota opens the 2026 season against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13.
Development still in progress
Teasley praised McCarthy’s work ethic, saying, “His role is to continue to develop, to improve and to support his teammates. He’s done an excellent job from the moment I’ve been here.” The 23‑year‑old, a former first‑round selection, missed the 2024 season with a torn meniscus and saw limited action in 2025 after an ankle injury in the preseason.
Quarterback depth chart
Head coach Kevin O’Connell named Kyler Murray the starter on Aug. 11. Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is in his first year with Minnesota. Veteran Carson Wentz, now in his 11th NFL season, serves as the primary backup. McCarthy, who started ten games in 2025, posted a 57.6 % completion rate for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while also rushing for 181 yards and four scores.
Contract situation
McCarthy is entering the third year of his four‑year, $21.85 million rookie contract. Murray signed a one‑year, $1.3 million deal after the Arizona Cardinals agreed to cover the balance of his $36.8 million salary for 2026. Wentz is on a one‑year, $3 million contract.
Practice updates
Teasley noted that McCarthy practiced fully on Monday and Tuesday following his ankle injury in the Aug. 22 preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. “He’s really talented,” Teasley said. “He was picked in the first round for a reason – great arm strength, underrated athlete, and I’m looking forward to how he continues to develop in this system.”
Additional roster moves
On the same day, Minnesota re‑signed second‑year quarterback Max Brosmer to the practice squad. Brosmer appeared in seven games as an undrafted rookie, completing 66.2 % of his passes for 328 yards and four interceptions.
The Vikings hope that McCarthy’s continued growth will give them depth and flexibility at the most demanding position in sports as they aim for a playoff run.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
