The hype for national champion J.J. McCarthy when he came to the Minnesota Vikings was something to behold. After the relative limitations of Kirk Cousins, fans believed head coach Kevin O’Connell could take the offense to the next level with a true dual-threat.
But just two years in, the growing sentiment is that the former first-round pick is on the way out of the franchise. However, rather than cutting him for nothing, fans believe he could be a viable option for the Miami Dolphins.
J.J. McCarthy Could Get a New Beginning With the Dolphins
Missing the entirety of his rookie season, O’Connell chose to give McCarthy the reins of the franchise even after a 14-3 season from Sam Darnold. Unfortunately, he was far from the ideal man under center.
Recording more interceptions than touchdowns, he finished at number 34 on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metric. Then the team signed Kyler Murray in free agency, who quickly became the franchise’s QB1.
Now, McCarthy’s chances of remaining the backup for the Vikings are also diminishing, given the consistency and reliability they can get from Carson Wentz. Add in the Dolphins needing a new QB2 after trading Quinn Ewers, and fans believe it could be a match made in heaven.
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“After trading Quinn Ewers yesterday, Miami is in the market for a backup,” Ian Rapoport reported after the Dolphins also waived QB Cam Miller.
One fan immediately responded, “Might I interest you in one ‘J.J. McCarthy.'”
https://t.co/LOCcH7DJd9 pic.twitter.com/kUILh7zBDV
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 30, 2026
Others reached the same conclusion, with one fan claiming, “I know a guy,” accompanied by a GIF of McCarthy.
I know a guy pic.twitter.com/43oAulNqxa
— Mason (@MasonMLFC2) August 30, 2026
Others believed it could become a possibility only if the growing assumption that McCarthy had fallen further down the depth chart was real: “Do I dare say that if J.J. McCarthy is the #3QB on the Vikings, that Miami makes an offer for him?”
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Some believed it was virtually a done deal, exclaiming, “Welcome to Miami, JJ.” Patrick Siepman, too, believed that the need for the Dolphins would be filled perfectly by the youngster, claiming, “There it is. J.J. McCarthy is heading to Miami.”
Welcome to Miami JJ https://t.co/LRLesICbWR
— Skolnado Tom (@TomMinske) August 30, 2026
It remains to be seen if the Dolphins actually pursue McCarthy as a potential piece on the roster that they can develop into a long-term player.
However, after committing to Malik Willis as their starter in the near future, it would be surprising if Miami were to indeed pursue a trade for McCarthy, who might be costlier than other available options in the market for the backup position.
