Sports commentator Colin Cowherd believes that J.J. McCarthy is not the man for the Minnesota Vikings after an underwhelming 2025 campaign. On Saturday, he urged coach Kevin O’Connell and his team to instead pursue this four-time NFL MVP in free agency.

On “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” he urged the Vikings to consider reeling in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is worth $200 million (as per Celebrity Net Worth). Cowherd expressed his doubts about J.J. McCarthy while highlighting some of his on-field issues.

“Well, the Vikings are ready to win now with their personnel,” Cowherd said. “I would go get Aaron Rodgers. … I think it works. First of all, J.J. McCarthy is going into year three. It is beyond durability issues. It’s little stuff, it’s big stuff. You can’t depend on him.

“You got Justin Jefferson, an elite left tackle. Minnesota’s got good players, an excellent head coach. Minnesota’s got an elite defensive coordinator. … You could be in fourth place very quickly with another J.J. McCarthy injury. I’d go get Aaron.”

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

McCarthy took over as the QB1 of the Vikings last season after missing out on the entirety of his rookie campaign due to an injury. However, he was limited to just 10 games because of multiple injuries once again. The quarterback recorded 1,632 yards and 11 TDs passing with 12 interceptions. The Vikings finished third in the NFC North with a 9-8 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers joined the Steelers on a one-year deal after a tumultuous two-season stint with the Jets. He helped the Steelers qualify for the playoffs as the AFC North champions. However, they suffered a 30-6 loss to the Texans in a wild-card game.

The four-time NFL MVP recorded 3,322 yards and 24 TDs passing. Rodgers has not yet decided whether he will hang up his cleats or return for another year in the league.

ALSO READ: “It starts off right now”: Justin Jefferson reveals working on improving J.J. McCarthy after disastrous 2026 season for Vikings QB

ALSO READ: Vikings HOFer floats $212,400,000 QB to compete with J.J. McCarthy for starting job

Kirk Cousins shares his thoughts on potentially joining J.J. McCarthy for the 2026 season

Kirk Cousins played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023 before signing with the Falcons in 2024. He served as the backup to Michael Penix Jr. during the 2025 season, but took over as the starter following his season-ending injury.

However, reports have been surfacing about how the Falcons might part ways with Cousi

know what to expect.

“I think what I’ve learned is to not try to predict or say what I think is gonna h

ns this offseason. On Friday, the veteran quarterback shared his thoughts on potentially returning to play for the Vikings amid J.J. McCarthy’s struggles.

“I kind of keep an open mind,” Cousins said. “Those conversations with the Falcons will happen in March and we’ll kind of see where it goes. But I’ve learned through my 14 years that anything can happen. I don’t really appen, and who knows where it goes.”

During his six-season stint with the Vikings, Cousins led them to two playoff appearances while recording 23,265 yards and 171 TDs passing.