Most of the high-profile happenings in the Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 free agency class — and there aren’t many besides the arrival of Kyler Murray — are over. Clubs can still sign deep free agents, but the storm of free agency is over. So, let’s look at the “losers” in the process.
Minnesota’s roster shuffle also brought collateral damage.
standard? It’s the new players and management’s decisions that impact the players the most – and not in a good way. Players in this list are ordered in ascending order (first place = biggest “loser”).
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Some Vikings will face steeper climbs this summer
WHO Do you Consider the biggest loser?
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern (29) lines up across from a receiver during the NFC wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, providing physical coverage and awareness to Minnesota’s secondary as they prepare for the high-pressure test of the postseason under bright lights. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
4. Dwight McGlothern(CB)
McGlothern may not be a solid candidate for Minnesota’s CB3 job in 2026, and the signing of veteran defensive back James Pierre confirms that.
Minnesota landed McGlothern via undrafted free agency in 2024, and since then many fans have had high expectations for his breakout performance due to his tremendous size and production at LSU and Arkansas. That hasn’t been the case so far, as he’s only managed 50 defensive snaps in two seasons.
McGlothern remains a candidate for the 2026 practice squad and could even make the active roster, but with the Vikings likely to draft a cornerback or two in April, his prospects are shaky. He’ll likely need to contribute more in 2024 and 2025 to have a chance at the CB3 or CB4 position this fall.
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3. Will Reichard(K)
Reichardt is fine; no need to worry. he is not a real “Loser.” Still, he lost his ownership at the start of free agency when the New Orleans Saints poached punter Ryan Wright, offering the pundit a contract worth $14 million over the next four years.
In return, the Vikings this week signed six-time All-Pro Johnny Hekker, who Minnesota hopes can turn back the clock to the glory days of a decade ago. Heck’s punting was average last season.
The 36-year-old also has an extra point and a field goal. Reichard needs a capable holder to continue his All-Pro career. If it’s not Hecker, look for Minnesota to look for rookie punters late in the draft or in undrafted free agency.
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2. Max Brosmer(QB)
Minnesota rarely has four quarterbacks on its regular-season roster, sometimes keeping just two, a sign that the roster is about to shrink. Brosmer will likely have been placed on the practice squad or released directly, but Carson Wentz’s re-arrival earlier this week narrows the possibility of Brosmer getting the QB3 role significantly.
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer (QB01) works out and throws while displaying skill and arm talent as evaluators monitor prospects before the draft in a structured, high-visibility environment on March 1, 2025 at the NFL Training Complex at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Brosmer’s prospects have now changed dramatically. Once an intriguing undrafted free agent — some even compared him loosely to Brock Purdy — he’s now likely destined for the practice squad or outright release. The motivation is simply not there.
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With recent additions and re-signings, the quarterback depth chart now includes Murray, JJ McCarthy, Wentz and Brosmer, leaving little room for surprises when the final cuts are made. It’s been a rough week for Brosmer.
Our Janik Eckardt on Brosmer’s hellish week: “Sure, he didn’t particularly earn more reps or trust, but it’s important to note that he didn’t come into the league with high expectations. A developing undrafted quarterback needs time to grow into a player before he can become a reliable backup.”
“Given his draft status, it’s not entirely fair to write him off completely after 71 passes. However, the NFL is not fair and if a player can’t get the job done, he’s replaced regardless of whether he’s supposed to be ready. The good news is that Brosmer’s career doesn’t end with a stint on the practice squad.”
1. JJ McCarthy(QB)
McCarthy had an offseason that was utterly evil, outrageously evil, and downright vicious. There is no way around this problem.
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The Vikings don’t have to trade McCarthy — the 23-year-old has time to develop — but recent developments have cast doubt on the team’s long-term commitment to him. If the Vikings fully backed McCarthy, their quarterback situation might be different, especially with Murray now projected to be QB1.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) breaks the pocket and rushes downfield during the second quarter on Aug. 10, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium, showing mobility and decision-making as he extended plays under pressure during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Some have speculated that McCarthy is general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first choice, with head coach Kevin O’Connell favoring replacements such as Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers or Derek Meyer. If that’s the case, Minnesota could move on from McCarthy sooner than expected and potentially trade him to a team like the Arizona Cardinals or Pittsburgh Steelers for a mid-round draft pick.
This offseason, Minnesota replaced the executive who drafted McCarthy, acquired Murray, and re-signed Wentz, presumably as a QB2 contender. None of these moves suggest McCarthy has a bright future with the team.
The past few months have been a nightmare for McCarthy’s long-term prospects.
