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J.J. McCarthy Vikings

Vikings Rumors: 4 Quarterbacks That Could Replace J.J. McCarthy In 2026

3. Mac Jones

Mac Jones proved during his time with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars that he’s not good enough to succeed in a bad environment. However, his time with the San Francisco 49ers shows he is good enough to be productive in the right scheme. Filling in for Brock Purdy, the former first-round pick has completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions while guiding the team to a 5-3 record. He won’t win the MVP any time soon, but he should find success with a good offensive mind in Kevin O’Connell and a great collection of pass-catching talent highlighted by Justin Jefferson.

If Jones were a free agent, he might be the top name on this list. However, the 49ers have him under contract for the 2026 season, so Minnesota would have to trade for his services. Seeing as several quarterback-needy teams could be pursuing his services, the Vikings probably won’t be willing to outbid the competition for a quarterback they would hope never sees the field.

49ers to be thankful for
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) celebrates with San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) after scoring a touchdown during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

About David Latham, Managing Editor

With LWOS since 2017, and as Managing Editor for NFL content at Last Word On Sports since 2021, David Latham stands as an authority in professional football analysis. With an intricate understanding of the league, Latham has cultivated exceptional expertise in NFL Fantasy Football, offering astute insights that empower enthusiasts and seasoned players alike. His keen eye for detail and comprehensive knowledge also position him as a trusted source for breaking news and rumors, consistently delivering timely and accurate information. Latham’s contributions are invaluable for readers seeking strategic fantasy league decisions to understanding the impact of league-wide developments. His commitment to factual reporting and insightful commentary has cemented his reputation as a reliable voice in the NFL media landscape.

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