The J.J. McCarthy era for the Minnesota Vikings is coming to an end much sooner than people expected.
McCarthy, the 10th pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, completed 57.6% of his passes last season for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He struggled enough that Minnesota felt the need to sign Kyler Murray to a one-year deal this offseason.
With the NFL season coming up, the Vikings have named Murray their starter for Week 1. Now that he's expected to take over the first-team offense for Kevin O'Connell, it's fair to wonder if McCarthy will be traded.
McCarthy, 23, is currently under contract through the 2027 season with a fifth-year option for 2028.
© Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Who would trade for J.J. McCarthy?
The most popular trade suitor might be the Los Angeles Chargers. Although they have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, they have a coach who is awfully familiar with McCarthy.
“I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft,” Jim Harbaugh said of McCarthy before the 2024 draft. “He’s incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won’t matter.”
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers could also be potential options for McCarthy, according to Charles Walter of the Pioneer Press.
At the very least, the Browns and Steelers can let McCarthy sit this year and develop without having any potential quarterback controversies.
