NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9). Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
J.J. McCarthy’s NFL career has taken another unexpected turn. The Minnesota Vikings selected him No. 10 overall in 2024 believing he could eventually become the face of their franchise. But after one season as the starter, Minnesota has now decided to hand the job to Kyler Murray, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
That leaves McCarthy in an unusual position. He is still only 23, remains under contract and has just 10 NFL starts to his name. But the Vikings have just made it clear that they are willing to look elsewhere at quarterback.
The good news for McCarthy is that Murray’s contract does not necessarily close the door on his future in Minnesota. Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings, and the contract includes a no-tag clause for 2027. If Murray leaves after this season, McCarthy could suddenly find himself back in the starting conversation.
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NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9). Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Should J.J. McCarthy ask for a trade?
This is where things get interesting. McCarthy could request a trade, but he has more leverage by staying, learning and waiting. If Murray struggles or gets hurt, McCarthy could get another opportunity without having to start over somewhere else.
There is also the possibility that the Vikings trade him themselves. A former No. 10 pick with four years remaining on his rookie deal would interest teams that still believe in his potential. Minnesota could potentially recover significant draft capital while avoiding the awkwardness of keeping two young quarterbacks with starting ambitions.
But trading McCarthy now would also mean admitting that the organization moved on from its 2024 investment after only one full season.
McCarthy has another option
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) walks off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The most sensible path may be the least dramatic one: stay put.
McCarthy’s four-year, $21.85 million rookie contract is fully guaranteed, and Minnesota holds a fifth-year option for the 2028 season. His 2026 cap charge is also modest, making him inexpensive compared with established starting quarterbacks.
That gives the Vikings plenty of reason to keep developing him.
McCarthy could spend 2026 learning from Murray and Kevin O’Connell, then reassess his situation after the season. If Murray plays well enough to become the long-term answer, a trade could become more appealing. If Murray leaves, McCarthy could be in position to reclaim the job.
There is one more possibility: McCarthy beats Murray back to the starting job through injury, performance or circumstance. That is why requesting a trade immediately would be premature.
In reality, McCarthy’s time in Minnesota is not necessarily over. But he now enters a complicated chapter in his NFL career.
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