J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
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J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Houston Texans are clearly committed to quarterback C.J. Stroud heading into the 2026 offseason, despite his postseason struggles against the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio shot down any shred of speculation surrounding a Stroud trade at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
“It’s moronic. We’re not trading the guy. He’s our quarterback. He’s gonna be playing quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2026. Anything beyond that, that’s your world. You guys can speculate on that. But we’re not trading C.J. Stroud,” Caserio told reporters.
But Caserio neglected to rule out a trade for another veteran quarterback on Houston’s roster, Davis Mills. The fifth-year veteran has turned out to be an intriguing option for teams in search of depth under center.
ESPN Links Texans Davis Mills to QB-Needy Vikings
ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote that he heard some buzz at the combine surrounding the Minnesota Vikings and their hunt for insurance behind former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Mills was one of the names mentioned, and could net the Houston Texans a draft pick for their backup.
“It’s also possible that the Vikings look into one of the potentially available unproven backup QBs who could be available via trade, such as Tanner McKee, Davis Mills or even Anthony Richardson Sr.,” wrote Graziano.
“But while such a move might help them feel better about the depth of their QB room, it likely wouldn’t help them accomplish their goal with McCarthy — either get him back on track or at least buy themselves another year to evaluate his long-term viability.”
Among the names Graziano attributed to the Vikings, Mills has the most starting experience between himself, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee, and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
With McCarthy’s well-documented struggles throughout his first season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback, the Vikings can’t make the same mistake they did in 2025 by not having a legitimate Plan B behind the former Michigan product.
Mills could bring a level of stability to the Vikings that they sorely missed last year. In three starts for the injured Stroud, Mills guided the Texans to a 3-0 record, completing 57.2% of his passes for 915 yards, with a five-to-one touchdown to interception ratio.
He could certainly step in and operate the Vikings offense in the event McCarthy crumbles.
What Would a Davis Mills Trade Look Like for the Texans?
Now, the Houston Texans aren’t just going to give away Mills. He’s proven to be a quality backup quarterback who can lead his team to wins as a spot starter.
That brings a certain level of value to the table, and Houston would be wise to ensure that they have a suitable quarterback to take his place if they decide to move him.
Sports Illustrated’s Jared Koch projected that Mills could be had for an early Day 3 pick, potentially a fourth or fifth-rounder.
That draft pick could be valuable for the Texans in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, who have done well in managing their roster, and could take a flier on a new backup quarterback to develop as their next Mills.
Regardless, Houston should only move Mills if they feel they’re getting the proper value for his services, as having a competent backup is one of the most underrated luxuries for any contending NFL team.