As the Minnesota Vikings continue to navigate their quarterback situation behind — and possibly as a replacement for — J.J. McCarthy, their list of options is growing thinner. Despite recent speculation linking top star to the Vikings, he is officially off the table.
He spent the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns, but he recently confirmed his next destination with a brief, four-word message. “Start spreading the news,” he posted on X on March 21.
Even if Winston was not on the Vikings’ radar, there are now fewer options in free agency. That means the remaining players have more leverage in contract negotiations. Winston, who has $76.5 million in career earnings, signed his first multi-year deal since 2022.
Jameis Winston a Polarizing Speculative Target for Vikings
Jameis Winston began his NFL journey as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. He notably made history with the league’s first-ever 30-touchdown, 30-interception season during his time in Tampa.
Over the course of his career, Winston has amassed 24,225 passing yards, 154 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions. After leaving the Buccaneers, he spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2020 to 2023.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently suggested that Winston could have been a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings as they continue to evaluate J.J. McCarthy.
“Carson Wentz is another big-armed journeyman who makes sense here, especially given his Midwestern roots,” Benjamin wrote on March 21. “Winston is a touch younger with a bit more recent starting experience, and Kevin O’Connell might appreciate his fiery leadership in the same room as the still-growing J.J. McCarthy.”
Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz had a different take on Winston’s potential fit with the Vikings.
“Winston is one of the biggest names still available, but he might not be the best fit for the Vikings from either an on-field or off-field perspective,” Ragatz wrote on March 16. “As the ultimate gunslinger, Winston is essentially a more extreme version of [Nick] Mullens. While his personality has made him a beloved figure among NFL fans, it’s worth noting that he has a history of multiple incidents involving alleged sexual misconduct.”
According to ESPN, Winston resolved his legal issues in 2016, and since joining the NFL, he has earned praise for his positive presence in the locker room.
Vikings Running Out of Proven Veteran Options
The Vikings were previously linked to Aaron Rodgers but have since shifted their focus elsewhere. They have also been connected to Joe Flacco and Ryan Tannehill in free agency.
Interestingly, Tannehill shares the same representation as J.J. McCarthy. However, the fact that he’s been linked to the Vikings despite sitting out the 2024 season could reveal how head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah view the remaining quarterback market beyond the bigger names.
Other experienced options still available include Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson.
Former Vikings quarterbacks Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater are also on the market. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons could still release Kirk Cousins or potentially accept a low-cost trade offer before all is said and done.
The Vikings have placed their faith in J.J. McCarthy, taking a considerable gamble with a roster that secured 14 wins in 2024. However, it’s a calculated risk. For this approach to pay off, McCarthy must live up to the team’s expectations. If he falls short, the Vikings could find themselves in an even more challenging position by 2026.