For the past two offseasons, the future of the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback room has been one of the most interesting storylines in football. Last year, the Vikings entered the offseason with Sam Darnold leading them to the playoffs, but they also had former 10th overall pick, J.J. McCarthy.
They decided to go with the unknown, high-potential option, and that decision led the Vikings to miss the playoffs, while Darnold won the Super Bowl. This offseason, the Vikings are right back into the quarterback conversation, and now, McCarthy’s future with the team is up in the air.
What Kyler Murray’s Arrival Means for J.J. McCarthy’s Future in Minnesota
Last season, McCarthy was ranked 37th in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, and throughout the year, he looked unready for the NFL. This is not a shocking outcome, especially after missing his entire rookie year with an injury, but the Vikings are not a roster that can wait on his development.
When free agency opened, the Vikings went for quarterback Kyler Murray and signed him. Many believe he will start in 2026 for Minnesota, which means McCarthy would be QB2 and develop.
This could easily become another Darnold scenario, where Murray wins with the Vikings while McCarthy sits behind and develops. If that happens, it’s doubtful the Vikings will go away from Murray.
Since Murray was signed, there have been many rumors and ideas that the Vikings can just move on from McCarthy now. After bringing back quarterback Carson Wentz, who was the backup last season, many believe McCarthy will be gone.
Cleveland Browns analyst Nathan Zegura theorized that McCarthy could be traded around the draft: “Have to think McCarthy will be moved around the draft. Very interesting.”
Have to think McCarthy will be moved around the draft. Very interesting https://t.co/BM02MXS9gJ
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) March 19, 2026
Fantasy Football account DynastyZoltan thinks the Wentz addition is actually positive news for McCarthy: “This is good news for McCarthy. Potentially signals a trade is coming.”
This is good news for McCarthy. Potentially signals a trade is coming. https://t.co/0H0KFKPH9i
— Dynasty Zoltan (@DynastyZoltanFF) March 19, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders analyst Mitchell Renz presented the Raiders as a potential team that could be interested in a McCarthy trade:
“The Vikings now have Kyler Murray & Carson Wentz in the QB room.”
“If Minnesota is open to trading J.J. McCarthy I think the Raiders are a sneaky team to watch out for: Source told me back in Dec. 2024 Tom Brady liked him, Raiders tried to trade for him last offseason (Got Kenny Pickett instead), LV has been linked to Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, veteran QBs, With Maxx Crosby back, LV doesn’t have as much money to spend in Free Agency so maybe the Raiders turn to a 3rd year QB on a rookie contract.”
“Would be an interesting QB room: – Fernando Mendoza – Aidan O’Connell – JJ McCarthy.”
The Vikings now have Kyler Murray & Carson Wentz in the QB room
If Minnesota is open to trading J.J. McCarthy I think the Raiders are a sneaky team to watch out for:
Source told me back in Dec. 2024 Tom Brady liked him
Raiders tried to trade for him last offseason (Got Kenny… https://t.co/rpfrtSuH4C
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) March 19, 2026
NFL writer Jarrett Bailey confidently stated that McCarthy is 100% gone: “Not that it was much of a question, but McCarthy is 100% getting moved.”
Not that it was much of a question, but McCarthy is 100% getting moved https://t.co/ql61gxaYro
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) March 19, 2026
Vikings opinion account TPPSkol looked back at last season and spoke on the Vikings’ quarterback decisions during last season: “It’s so funny how obvious, between how this is worded and what @TomPelissero said earlier on this too, that the Vikings FULLY planned to ride with Carson Wentz the rest of the way last season after J.J. McCarthy got hurt.”
“They DID NOT want to pivot back to McCarthy (LMFAO) but were forced to when Wentz scarified is his life on the field in LA.”
“Was super obvious at the time, but the emotions got the best of many on here.”
It’s so funny how obvious, between how this is worded and what @TomPelissero said earlier on this too, that the Vikings FULLY planned to ride with Carson Wentz the rest of the way last season after J.J. McCarthy got hurt.
They DID NOT want to pivot back to McCarthy (LMFAO) but… https://t.co/uV2UBPjlqP
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) March 19, 2026
Speculation has escalated since the Vikings brought back Wentz, and it seems there is a real chance McCarthy could be moved this offseason. For the Vikings and McCarthy, this may be the best decision for both sides.
