While the jury remains out on the what Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will ultimately become in the NFL, it’s fair to say the organization overestimated how quickly he could lead it to consistent winning, which means it’s also fair to say the franchise made mistakes letting Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones walk.
However, Minnesota will have a chance to rectify those wrongs come the offseason, as Jones will be a free agent following a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN currently ranks him the No. 3 free agent in the 2026 class.
“Jones has a chance to become the biggest earner in the free-agency class,” Jeremy Fowler wrote Wednesday. “The Colts appear all-in on keeping Jones long term, and they have comps for former top-10 picks who thrived when quarterbacking a new team: Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who each earned three-year deals worth around $100 million.”
That is a significant amount of money, and not a tally Minnesota would be keen on paying, as the team’s entire strategy with McCarthy was to pay the QB position less so it could spread wealth around the roster. The Vikings did that, but the results haven’t been there.
McCarthy still has, and deserves, at least the rest of the year to play the string out. However, after injury problems cost him 22 of his first 24 regular-season games, and considering he has looked overwhelmed more often than not when healthy, McCarthy could be fighting for his starting job come March.
If the Vikings must spend $100 million to Jones to get back into contention, like they were with Darnold in 2024, that isn’t the biggest price to pay. Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa each make more than $50 million annually for franchises that won’t be playing in February anytime soon.
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Colts are likely to make an offer to Jones that the Vikings would have trouble matching after inking him to a deal worth $14 million in 2025. Spotrac currently projects Jones’ market value at just under $46 million annually, or approximately $184 million over a new four-year contract, though that is likely more than the market will actually bear for a player the New York Giants cut during the middle of last season.
All of that said, what Jones will want isn’t simple to predict.
He spent the second half of last year in the Vikings QB room with head coach Kevin O’Connell. And as many weapons as the Colts have in the pass game, Minnesota matches or exceeds them.
Analysts Bill Simmons and Sheil Kapadia of The Ringer suggested on the November 5 edition of “The Bill Simmons Podcast” that the Colts may overplayed their hand dealing for Gardner. Despite the 8-2 record, both Simmons and Kapadia named three or four teams they’d favor over Indianapolis in the AFC playoffs this year, asserting further that this season’s success could merely prove a flash in the pan for the Colts.
If Minnesota came to Jones with a Mayfield-level offer, it is hard to believe that the dual-threat QB wouldn’t at least strongly consider it along with whatever else is out there for him next spring.
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
And making a move for Jones wouldn’t mean that the Vikings have to push McCarthy out the door. He will still have two years remaining on his rookie contract come next offseason, with a fifth-year team option on the deal that Minnesota will not have to decide on for another full year.
This conversation perhaps won’t be relevant if McCarthy makes a leap over the last eight games of the campaign. However, if he doesn’t, what the 22-year-old QB has put on tape thus far is likely to force the Vikings’ hand in acquiring some competition for McCarthy next spring, at the very least.
“The scheme that helped push Sam Darnold into the top 10 in QB rating and top five in passing yards has not had the same impact on McCarthy, who has looked overwhelmed and erratic at times. While Darnold dominated downfield, McCarthy is 23-for-46 on passes over 10 yards downfield with 5 TDs and 5 INTs,” Matthew Coller of Purple Insider wrote Wednesday. “Per PFF, 22.0% of McCarthy’s pressures have been caused by him, which is the fifth highest rate in the NFL. He has the second highest pressure-to-sack ratio in the league, only behind rookie Cam Ward.”
Jones may not be the Vikings’ guy and $100 million may not be the number, but if McCarthy keeps on playing the way he has, fans should expect a serious move to add a serious name under center heading into 2026.
In a passionate and fiery statement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
has come out swinging in defense of quarterback Jordan Love, blasting the criticism that has been directed at his young signal-caller throughout a tumultuous season.
Speaking to the media earlier today, LaFleur made it clear that he will not stand idly by as his quarterback is relentlessly questioned, even as Love fights through adversity week after week. LaFleur’s comments were blunt and unapologetic, underscoring his unwavering support for the man he believes is the heart and soul of the Packers’ offense.
“What’s Happening to Him Is a Crime Against Football”
LaFleur didn’t hold back when asked about the mounting criticism surrounding Love’s play this season. With the Packers’ offense struggling at times, and Green Bay sitting on the edge of playoff contention, many have questioned whether Love is the long-term answer at quarterback for the franchise. LaFleur, however, rejected the notion that Love deserves any of the blame.
“What’s happening to him is a crime against football—a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for,” LaFleur fired back. “How can people be so cruel? Criticizing a man who’s carried this offense with heart, shows up every single week, plays through pain, gives everything he has, never asks for attention, never blames anyone—just fights for Green Bay?”
The frustration in LaFleur’s voice was palpable as he continued his defense of Love. “To me, Jordan Love is one of the most relentless and selfless players this league has ever seen—and instead of questioning his value every time the team hits a rough patch, people should be standing behind him.”
A Leader Who Plays Through Pain
LaFleur’s comments come at a time when Love has been playing through pain, with reports of minor injuries and physical setbacks during the season. Despite the challenges, Love has continued to show up week after week, giving his all for the Packers. LaFleur emphasized this unwavering commitment as a key factor in why the Packers should continue to back their quarterback.
“Jordan has done everything we’ve asked of him. He’s been a leader in the locker room, he’s been a professional in his approach, and he’s been a warrior on the field,”
LaFleur said. “What more could we possibly ask of him? The guy’s been battling, and I’m not going to sit here and let anyone tear him down. He deserves better than that.”
Time for Packers Fans to Rally Behind Love
LaFleur’s impassioned speech highlights not just his support for Love, but a call to action for Packers fans. With Green Bay’s future still uncertain and Love’s development still in progress, the coach is urging the fanbase and the media to rally behind their quarterback rather than continuing to question his worth.
“We need to stop focusing on the noise and look at the bigger picture,” LaFleur concluded. “Jordan Love is a guy you want on your team—he embodies everything that Green Bay stands for. Instead of tearing him down, we should be lifting him up. He’s earned that, and this team needs him.”
A Shifting Perspective
As the Packers move forward in their season, LaFleur’s words will likely serve as a rallying cry for Love, his teammates, and the fanbase. While the season may have its ups and downs, it’s clear that LaFleur is steadfast in his belief that Jordan Love is the future of the Green Bay Packers—and he’s determined to see that future unfold without the distractions of unwarranted criticism.
The Packers are now faced with the task of not only finding consistency on the field but also building around their young quarterback for the long haul. LaFleur’s defense of Love makes it clear: The journey is far from over, and Jordan Love is the man to lead them through it.