Robert Griffin III former quarterback
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AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 01: Robert Griffin III laughs during conversations at the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of The Americas on March 01, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
The future of J.J. McCarthy has never seemed more bleak than since the Minnesota Vikings decided to add former first overall pick and seven-year starter for the Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray – to the roster.
Murray is generally expected by most to win the forthcoming quarterback competition against McCarthy given his pro experience alongside his unique skillset and natural tools, although that is far from a a done deal at this point.
However, there are some voices that believe that the Vikings should clear the slate and go all in on Murray, who is the far more proven product at this point in time. This is the view of former Pro Bowl quarterback and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III, who suggests the team trade McCarthy – with an arch rival being one of the two best fits for him.
The Purple Persuasion
“Because they brought in Kyler Murray, it makes me feel like the Vikings should trade JJ McCarthy…” @RGIII adds that the Packers would be a fit to sit behind Jordan Love or the Rams to sit behind Matthew Stafford.
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RGIII Suggests NFC North Destination for J.J. McCarthy
“Because they bought in Kyler Murray, it makes me feel like the Minnesota Vikings should trade JJ McCarthy to give him an opportunity to go grow somewhere and learn somewhere and develop with out the pressure of playing right away.” Griffin said on his Outta Pocket with RGIII podcast.
“So for me, you talk about the Green Bay Packers with Matt LaFleur, have him sit behind Jordan Love. Look at what that did for Malik Willis, who’s now a millionaire, multi multi 20 millionaire playing for the Miami dolphins because he backed up Jordan love, and he was able to develop after he left Tennessee, who didn’t really give him a shot.”
The former Commanders QB also lists the Rams as a potential destination for the 23-year old, with the chance to learn from Super Bowl champions Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford another enticing opportunity.
Will the Vikings Trade J.J. McCarthy?
At this point, it seems like the Vikings are wanting to learn more about what they have with their young QB, rather than looking for a quick off ramp from their former 10th overall pick. McCarthy flashed towards the end of the 2025 season – admittedly against two of the three worst defenses in the Commanders and Cowboys – but it still felt like progress.
Trading McCarthy certainly should not be ruled out at this stage, and much of what occurs moving forward will depend on the events of training camp.
If the Michigan alum gets trounced by Murray during the summer, and it appears that he well and truly will not be their guy moving forward, another team more optimistic about their possibilities of utilizing him could come forth and acquire him for a reasonable price.
It is hard to realistically see that team being the Packers, given the importance of the position, head coach Matt LaFleur’s excellent track record developing quarterbacks, and the utter humiliation the franchise would face if the Packers turned McCarthy into a viable QB and profited from his departure in two years time in the form of a third or fourth round compensatory pick.
But, in an ever moving world where divisional rivals make draft trades all the time, if Minnesota is all out J.J., Green Bay might be able to obtain him if they heavily outbid all the other suitors.