The Minnesota Vikings’ QB1 battle is over, and it’s been won by Kyler Murray. So, where does that leave J.J. McCarthy with the Vikings?
While McCarthy is under contract through the 2027 season and the Vikings have a club option in 2028, some have speculated that the new backup quarterback could be traded elsewhere, especially considering the franchise has Carson Wentz in the QB room as well.
Will the Vikings Trade J.J. McCarthy?
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has assembled a complete QB room.
He has a former No. 1 overall pick and two-time Pro Bowler in Murray. A developmental project with upside in McCarthy, and a proven veteran who can handle a surprise start on short notice in Wentz.
On top of that, the Vikings even have another prospect in 2025 undrafted free agent Max Brosmer, whom they remain high on.
In other words, the Vikings don’t necessarily need to keep McCarthy on the roster for any other reason than holding out hope that he could still someday become the franchise’s long-term solution, possibly even in 2027 since Murray will be a free agent after this season.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and discussed McCarthy’s situation.
“The other question is, what happens to J.J. McCarthy?” Rapoport asked. “Does he stay? Does he want out? Is he comfortable being a backup and waiting his time? I think there are a lot of questions about where it’s going.”
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Rapoport further shared his thoughts and said a McCarthy trade “might make some sense.”
“I do not know if the Vikings would trade J.J. He’s going to be the backup,” Rapoport added. “The only question now is if something happens to Kyler, is (J.J.) your best option moving forward? So if you’re a team that liked J.J. coming out, it actually might make some sense to trade for him and develop him, right?”
“I think there’s a lot of questions about what happens with JJ McCarthy now..
I don’t know if the Vikings would trade him”@RapSheet #PMSLive https://t.co/4NJdqQt4RD pic.twitter.com/7orLhZqE6P
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 11, 2026
Injuries have restricted McCarthy over the past two seasons, while Minnesota’s offense struggled to find consistency. He posted a PFN QB Impact Score of 67.0, which ranked No. 34 among 38 eligible quarterbacks.
While the Vikings were quick to trade up and make McCarthy the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, other teams were surely interested in the former Michigan QB too.
Now those teams may have a chance to buy low on the quarterback and see if he can still realize that untapped potential as a former first-round pick.
There’s no guarantee the Vikings are ready to throw in the towel and give up on the 23-year-old. While his trade value may be pretty low right now, perhaps the right offer could get the Vikings to part ways with their developmental project.
