The NFL Combine is winding down, but the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly finding ways to move on from former first-round bust quarterback JJ McCarthy this offseason. Tony Pauline was first to report that the Vikings are looking for an “exit strategy” from the former Michigan product, with the attempt of bringing in some serious competition for the unestablished quarterback. It wouldn’t be any surprise if the Vikings draft a quarterback early in this year’s draft after the team scouted during the combine. McCarthy’s regular 2025 campaign has been bruised and battered as far as trying to establish himself as a capable leader for this Vikings offense.
Despite returning in Week 9 after his ankle injury, he was unable to perform up to par, throwing for two interceptions and in loss against the Atlanta Falcons. However, the injuries came before the 2025 regular season. McCarthy missed the entire rookie season with a torn meniscus, naming now Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold the starting quarterback. The Vikings stuck with McCarthy in hopes that he could change things around, but that hasn’t happened.
Matthew Berry with NBC Sports also reported that the Vikings are not high on McCarthy, so watch for the team to sign a veteran quarterback during free agency. There isn’t an indicator on what the team will do to improve for the 2026 regular season, but it shouldn’t be surprising if they are truly shopping McCarthy. If that’s the case, for the sake of this article, let’s break down the potential landing spots that could serve him well.
QB rumors from the NFL Combine! @matthewberrytmr on where Malik Willis and Kyler Murray wind up? Who do the Vikings like? And more important, what big name QB are they NOT interested in? pic.twitter.com/SK4yx4zfVQ
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) February 28, 2026
JJ McCarthy Landing Spots: 3 Teams That May Save Former Vikings First-Rounder
Possible Fits
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are focusing on bringing back Aaron Rodgers for at least one more full season of football. However, the team is way too old, and they must think about rebuilding this entire roster under new head coach Mike McCarthy. With Mike Tomlin likely never returning, the Steelers have a chance to establish some real competition behind Rodgers if he comes back. Will Howard is waiting for a chance to start, but the Steelers could make sure that he’s serious, and they should do that by trading for McCarthy.
It will allow McCarthy to learn from Rodgers and get himself back to full health for the next two seasons of his current rookie deal.
Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones was leaning towards returning to the Colts after a spectacular 2025 regular season, but it’s being reported that the two parties are still “far apart” in contract talks. The Colts can’t afford Jones to walk in free agency and find a better deal elsewhere. Even if they re-sign Jones to another one-year deal, the team should still consider McCarthy.
Anthony Richardson is on the trade block, and bringing in an unproven McCarthy allows him to work behind Jones. McCarthy doesn’t need to be a starter anytime soon, and could return to starting duties once he feels ready after his rookie deal is up.
Los Angeles Rams
With Matthew Stafford returning, the Los Angeles Rams still plan for the future beyond the veteran. Stetson Bennett and Jimmy Garoppolo are the likely runners for being the “next man up” once Stafford probably retires after the 2026 regular season. However, McCarthy still has hidden talent, and there’s no better offensive system for him to learn than one of the best minds in football, head coach Sean McVay.