With J.J. McCarthy the only quarterback under contract for the 2025 season, the Minnesota Vikings will need to sign a backup to serve as insurance in case McCarthy doesn’t live up to expectations in his second year.
They’ve had success with Sam Darnold in a similar role this season, having signed the 27-year-old to a one-year, $10 million deal in March. Darnold has helped the Vikings to a 7-2 start and is on track to set career-highs in almost every passing category.
Although the plan was for McCarthy to take over as the starter in his first year, a season-ending knee injury derailed that. McCarthy recently underwent a second surgery, receiving a biologic injection to aid in his recovery.
The Vikings have stated that McCarthy’s recovery timeline remains unchanged, but they will likely be in the market for a backup capable of stepping in for Darnold if needed.
Ex-Bears, Steelers QB Justin Fields a Fit for Vikings in 2025
Formerly a first-round pick in 2021, the former Chicago Bears quarterback was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason to back up veteran Russell Wilson. However, with Wilson suffering a calf injury just days before the season opener, Fields stepped in as the starter and helped the Steelers to a 4-2 record.
During his time as the starter, Fields played some of the best football of his career, accounting for 10 total touchdowns (passing and rushing) while throwing just one interception. He also set a career-high with a 66.3% completion rate, and posted career-low marks in both interceptions per game (0.17) and sacks per game (2.67).
After his impressive six-game stretch, Fields has earned the distinction of being the No. 2-ranked quarterback in the 2025 free-agent class, behind only Sam Darnold, according to ESPN.
However, that strong performance may not be enough to secure Fields a guaranteed starting job with a new team right away.
Minnesota could present him with the opportunity to compete for the starting role in 2025, especially with McCarthy having yet to play a regular-season game. The Vikings could sell Fields on the chance to battle for the position, knowing that Darnold’s successful one-year stint in their offense this season could serve as a springboard for a more lucrative long-term deal elsewhere in the next offseason. Fields might be willing to follow a similar path.
Spotrac projects Fields to receive a one-year, $9.2 million contract in free agency — an amount the Vikings can afford, allowing them to strengthen other areas of their roster while bringing him in.
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