Colin Cowherd names surprise QB to replace J.J. McCarthy amid Vikings' offensive struggles in 2025 NFL season

Kevin O'Connell's Minnesota Vikings are virtually out of the playoff race this NFL season after suffering four losses in a row. One of the major talking points around Minnesota's slump has been its starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled for rhythm.

Amid McCarthy's inconsistencies and injury woes, analyst Colin Cowherd has suggested that the Vikings could look to bring in Mac Jones, currently with the San Francisco 49ers, to compete with McCarthy for Minnesota's QB1 role in 2026.

"My takeaway on this draft is, you think I'm crazy, I would go get Mac Jones," Cowherd said on his YouTube podcast on Tuesday (1:50). "You won't have to give up a first-round pick because you do have to pay him a little bit. But, I mean, if you're Minnesota, you can't go through this again. You have too good of players: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison ... how long are you going to be able to keep Brian Flores (defensive coordinator) if you're Minnesota?

"I'm watching today, and I'm like J.J. McCarthy, forget the inefficiency, he can't stay healthy. You have to go get somebody. I would go get Mac Jones, I really would. I think to Kyle Shanahan, you're going to have to give up probably a second-round pick, but you can keep your first.”

Mac Jones signed with the 49ers in the offseason. He is the backup to Brock Purdy, but he impressed when San Francisco's QB1 was sidelined.

In nine appearances (eight starts) this season, Jones has 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has a 5-3 record as a starter.

Meanwhile, McCarthy was sidelined for his rookie year due to a knee injury. This season, he has 929 passing yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions across six starts, with a 2-4 record.

Kevin O'Connell's Vikings will face the Washington Commanders in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season

NFL: Minnesota Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell- Source: Imagn

Kevin O'Connell's Vikings (4-8) will face the Washington Commanders (3-9) in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

McCarthy is set to return as Minnesota's QB1 after missing the Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks due to a concussion.

The Commanders enter Week 14 on the back of seven straight losses.