The Minnesota Vikings knew it was going to take some time for J.J. McCarthy to develop into the kind of quarterback that could lead the franchise long-term. Until he turns into that guy, however, people are going to float all sorts of replacement ideas or options to serve as his backup in 2026.
The latest quarterback linked to the Vikings comes from Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports, who thinks Justin Fields could make sense in Minneapolis. DeArdo listed possible landing spots for Fields in 2026, and the Vikings made the list.
"Minnesota makes sense on multiple fronts. In addition to the likelihood of being in the market for a backup quarterback, the Vikings may be looking for competition to help push starter J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled to live up to his early season promise since coming back from his ankle injury.
The Vikings also make sense given the history Kevin O'Connell has had with former first-round picks. Sam Darnold, for example, parlayed his one season with O'Connell into a long-term opportunity with the Seahawks. It's possible that he could have a similar impact on Fields, who has shown flashes of his potential throughout his five-year career."
Minnesota Vikings fans won't like seeing Justin Fields listed as a potential QB option for 2026
This would not be a move that would excite Vikings fans, as Fields has been an absolute train wreck for the Jets this year. He's been so bad that the Jets finally benched him in favor of veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Fields will surely get a chance with another team in 2026, as he should, but it should be with a team that fits his playing style a little more. The Vikings don't check that box, so Fields shouldn't be in consideration here.
The Vikings are still holding out hope that J.J. McCarthy can be the guy for them. He's only started five games in the NFL and, guess what, he looks like a guy who's only started five games at quarterback in the NFL. Fans always expected it to be bumpy, and that's exactly how it's been so far.
While the Vikings will bring someone in to push McCarthy next season, Fields doesn't need to be that guy. Let another team make him their next reclamation project, and let O'Connell focus on molding McCarthy into the quarterback he wants him to be. Hard pass on Justin Fields.