The Minnesota Vikings signed former first-overall pick Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, and this transaction could signal the end of the short-lived J.J. McCarthy Era. A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Michigan product missed his rookie season with an injury and battled more ailments throughout the 2025 season. He has yet to demonstrate an ability to stay on the field, and he didn’t play all that well when on the field. In total, McCarthy made 10 starts last year and completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 6.7 yards per attempt, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
While the Vikings claim they still believe in McCarthy, it’s entirely possible the Michigan product has played his last game in Minnesota. Head coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly wanted to trade him and re-sign Sam Darnold last year, and it stands to reason that Murray could be the team’s long-term answer if he plays well in 2026. While McCarthy’s poor play is worrisome, some quarterback-needy team would probably be willing to send a mid- to late-round pick for his upside and hope a change of scenery can bring out the best in the 23-year-old.
3 Teams That Could Trade For J.J. McCarthy
New York Jets
The New York Jets traded for veteran Geno Smith, but the former second-round pick is not a long-term solution at the position. Smith is coming off a disastrous season with the Raiders, but it would’ve been difficult for any quarterback to succeed in that environment. He’s a fine short-term solution, but Aaron Glenn’s squad must find someone to offer some type of long-term upside. J.J. McCarthy might be the best choice for the job, as there isn’t an obvious choice in the 2026 NFL Draft. Perhaps McCarthy can spend the 2026 season backing up Smith before taking over in 2027.
Arizona Cardinals
Nobody should be too surprised if the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals end up effectively swapping quarterbacks. Arizona parted ways with Murray because the team couldn’t justify his contract, but they don’t have a good Plan B at the position. Jacoby Brissett is nothing more than a high-end backup, and free agent signee Gardner Minshew isn’t a better option. With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza presumably going to the Raiders with the first-overall pick, it’s hard to see how the Cardinals could find a starting-caliber option in the NFL Draft. J.J. McCarthy likely won’t cost much in a trade and has the potential to beat out Brissett and Minshew in an open competition.
Los Angeles Rams
J.J. McCarthy will not challenge Matthew Stafford for the starting job, but the Rams could still try and trade for the former first-round pick. Stafford played his best football last year, but he’s in his late 30s and can’t keep this up forever. Head coach Sean McVay is one of the best offensive minds in the game, and it stands to reason he might be able to get something out of the Michigan product. The Rams have no issue with trading draft picks for proven veterans, so perhaps they’d be willing to send a late-round selection for McCarthy and spend the next year or two evaluating him on the bench.
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