Minnesota Vikings
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 04: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings talks with teammates during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings are heading into 2026 with a QB room of Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, and J.J. McCarthy.
Many are asking if there’s even a reason to keep McCarthy around town if Minnesota felt compelled enough to sign Murray. Murray still has good years ahead of him, and isn’t the typical “bridge” QB. When he’s on, he’s arguably a top-12 signal caller in the league.
This has brought McCarthy’s name into trade speculation this offseason. Early Friday morning, Bleacher Report added fuel to that fire.
Vikings ‘Could’ Trade J.J. McCarthy Amid Murray Signing
J.J. McCarthy quarterback Minnesota Vikings
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report posted a piece detailing 8 NFL stars who could actually be traded this offseason and why. Naturally, McCarthy was on that list.
They gave their take as to why a trade could materialize at some point.
“This is a trade that likely would not materialize until later in the summer, once the Vikings have a fuller evaluation of their quarterback room and acknowledge that, despite his flaws, Murray is currently the more proven NFL option than McCarthy.
The point is coming where Minnesota will have two choices: hand McCarthy a clipboard or trade the third-year pro while he still has some value.”
As of now, there’s been no indication (other than the Murray signing) that the Vikings want to move off of McCarthy. At only 23 years old, there is still a hope that he develops into being the team’s QB of the future.
Whether or not that happens may be more up to Kyler Murray than McCarthy himself. Murray is already the assumed winner of an alleged QB competition that is months away from beginning. There’s no question that McCarthy may be on the outside looking in at his future with the Vikings.
Minnesota QB Coach Josh McCown Named as Potential Future Head Coach
Josh McCown, Vikings
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings talks with head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Doric Sam of Bleacher Report recently covered a piece on The Athletic by Jourdan Rodrigue.
“The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue spoke to coaches, executives and other league personnel throughout the annual meeting in Phoenix last week and asked who they predict to be next in line as an up-and-coming head coaching candidate. Rodrigue received a slew of names, with former NFL quarterback and Minnesota Vikings staff member Josh McCown leading the way.
Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach of the Minnesota Vikings
Matt Burke, defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans
Aden Durde, defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks
Greg Williams, inside linebackers coach of the Los Angeles Rams
Kelvin Sheppard, defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions
Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens
Karl Scott, defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks
Zach Strief, run game coordinator/assistant head coach of the Denver Broncos“
McCown is heading into year 3 as the Vikings’ QB coach, and year 1 of being the passing game coordinator.
He had a hand in the resurgence of Sam Darnold, and is being trusted enough to have a larger role within the offense.
Rodrigue added another interesting snippet about McCown.
“*A prominent NFC coach said it was clear over the past two seasons that the former quarterback McCown is taking on more responsibility within the Vikings’ offense.*”
Time will tell where McCown’s coaching career goes, but one day, it could be in the direction of being the main guy.