Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants - JJ McCarthy embracing Jaxson Dart
Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants - JJ McCarthy embracing Jaxson Dart
The Minnesota Vikings are 1-0 in the 2026 NFL preseason, after taking a 10-3 victory home from MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, we can’t read very much into preseason results, good or bad. Instead, just like coaches, scouts and executives across the league, the focus is on how players perform individually.
And as has been the case most of training camp, all eyes were on Minnesota’s quarterbacks yesterday in New Jersey. Kyler Murray got the start, but only lasted one drive before he was put on ice.
What’s next for MN Vikings, JJ McCarthy
Then, it was the JJ McCarthy show for the rest of the first half. The 23-year-old got three drives, finishing 4/7 for 34 yards. He was also sacked one time, the only sack on the day any Vikings quarterback took.
Here's every J.J. McCarthy non-handoff from the Vikings' preseason opener against NYG (including two plays that didn't count because of penalties).
Stats: 4 for 7, 34 yards, 1 rushing yard, 1 sack
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/WaW5LsFGkM
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 15, 2026
Related: New Vikings Safety Suffers Significant Injury; Outlook Not Good
McCarthy got the bulk of the run against the Giants, after head coach Kevin O’Connell officially named Kyler Murray the starting quarterback early in the week. Since, there have been rumors swirling over whether or not JJ McCarthy will demand a trade out of town.
He and O’Connell tried to squash those rumors last week, but insiders around the league continue to hear chatter that a trade could be on the horizon.
JJ McCarthy ready to leave the Vikings ASAP?
In an article posted recently by Jason La Canfora, the longtime NFL insider wrote that, not only does McCarthy want out of Minnesota sooner than later, but one GM reportedly told him that JJ will be elsewhere by the end of the season.
It was an open secret around the league that the Vikings brought in someone not to compete with McCarthy, but to take over and give them a better chance to win immediately. After losing so much time to injury already, it would be surprising if McCarthy remains in Minnesota long-term.
“They knew they couldn’t bring him back as the starter and keep that locker room together,” one GM noted this offseason. “I don’t think he’ll be there through the end of the season.”
Given the modest contracts signed by former top picks like Murray and Tua Tagovailoa after their initial big-money deals, Minnesota may wait to see if injuries surface elsewhere before setting a price tag on McCarthy. Naturally, he would prefer a fresh start as soon as possible.
Jason La Canfora – Casino.org
McCarthy wasn’t terrible on Saturday, but he continues to struggle with progressions, almost as if he is working through them in slow motion. That throws off timing on a near every-down basis, making what should be relatively easy throws far more difficult.
What that means for JJ’s future is completely up to him. There are reports floating around suggesting that O’Connell has had it with some of the youngster’s immaturity, after three years of riding the struggle bus.
Possible landing spots for JJ McCarthy
But for the time being, the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick has no trade value. If placed on the market right now, the Vikings wouldn’t even be able to charge a day two draft pick, according to Alec Lewis (The Athletic).
That doesn’t mean there’s no interest in Minnesota’s QB reclamation project. In fact, in his report, La Canfora writes that multiple teams may be in line for McCarthy, should he come available, including the Giants, Dolphins and Eagles (if the price is “bargain bin” low.
Another GM floated the Giants as a team in the mix, noting Jaxson Dart’s deep injury, New York’s ongoing rebuild, and backup Jameis Winston offering limited long-term upside.
It is also worth noting that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is one of Michigan’s prominent boosters and watched McCarthy lead that program to national prominence.
Another personnel executive suggested the Eagles as a potential bargain-bin buyer, with Eagles GM Howie Roseman doing extensive background work on developmental quarterbacks ahead of the supplemental draft.