Vikings sign UFL champion QB, place J.J. McCarthy on IR

The Minnesota Vikings announced the signing of a former UFL champion quarterback and officially placed rookie J.J. McCarthy on the injured reserve on Friday.

Matt Corral, who has also spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots, now joins the Vikings' roster.

It was reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport that the Vikings were on the lookout for a veteran quarterback after McCarthy's injury but this doesn't really match up with that prototype.

Related: Report: Vikings expected to 'keep their eyes open' for veteran QB

A third-round pick by Carolina in 2022, the 25-year-old Corral has yet to appear in an NFL game. He spent time with New England in the 2023 offseason before he took his career to the UFL this spring.

He helped the Birmingham Stallions earn a 3-0 record while starting and completed 36 of 62 passes for 494 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Stallions were mostly led by Adrian Martinez under center as they won the UFL Championship 25-0 over the San Antonio Brahmas. Corral didn't play in either of the playoff games.

Corral played college football at Ole Miss from 2018-2021. He logged a 67.3% completion rate while throwing for 8,287 yards, 57 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He also rushed 334 times for 1,338 yards and 18 touchdowns. He finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 2021.

McCarthy's season is officially over after being placed on the IR Friday. The rookie suffered a meniscus injury during Saturday's preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders and underwent full repair surgery this week.

Related: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 NFL season

Sam Darnold is expected to start Week 1 against the New York Giants for Minnesota. The question that remains is who will be his backup: Corral, Nick Mullens or Jaren Hall.