The Minnesota Vikings seem to be locking in on J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback with no real competition for the job. After talks about possibly bringing in Sam Darnold or Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings are sticking with McCarthy, who they traded up to select in last year’s draft. They’ve already made some big moves, including taking McCarthy and linebacker Dallas Turner in the first round of 2023. But now, with just a few picks in the 2025 draft, one of those could be used to secure a backup quarterback for McCarthy.
ESPN’s Ben Solak recently predicted the Vikings would select Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round. Howard had an impressive career at Kansas State and helped Ohio State win a national championship in his only season there. He’s a solid all-around QB with good mobility and the ability to make the right throws, but he needs an offense that doesn’t demand too much processing. The Vikings’ system could work well for him, especially with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to target.
Solak sees Howard as a possible solid backup who could follow a Jacoby Brissett-like career path. If the Vikings bring him in, he might even become the designated backup behind McCarthy. With his stats from last season leading the Big Ten in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdowns he could be a steal late in the draft. For the Vikings, a solid backup option behind McCarthy could be a crucial move for their quarterback depth.
Vikings Looking to Add a New QB to the Roster to Support J.J. McCarthy”
