The J.J. McCarthy experiment in Minnesota appears to be over before it truly got off the ground. The 2024 first-round pick, taken 10th overall, struggled in his rookie season, completing just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. That inconsistency led the Vikings to sign Kyler Murray to a one-year deal this offseason, and the team has already named Murray the starter for Week 1.
With Murray set to lead Kevin O'Connell's offense, the question now is what happens to McCarthy. The 23-year-old is still under contract through 2027, with a fifth-year option for 2028, making him an attractive trade target for teams in need of a young quarterback with upside.
The Case for a Trade
It's not unusual for a young quarterback to struggle early, but the Vikings' swift move to bring in a veteran suggests they've lost confidence in McCarthy's ability to develop quickly. Rather than let him rot on the bench, Minnesota could look to deal him and recoup some value. Several teams around the league are desperate for a signal-caller, and McCarthy's pedigree alone makes him worth a look.
Top Suitor: Los Angeles Chargers
The most logical landing spot might be the Chargers, who have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert but also have a coach who knows McCarthy well. Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy at Michigan, was effusive in his praise before the 2024 draft: "I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft," Harbaugh said. "He's incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won't matter."
Harbaugh's belief in McCarthy could make the Chargers an ideal fit, especially if they view him as a long-term backup who could eventually take over if Herbert ever misses time.
Other Potential Destinations
According to Charles Walter of the Pioneer Press, the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are also in the mix. Both teams have veteran starters but are in need of young depth. The Browns, with Deshaun Watson's injury history, could use a reliable backup. The Steelers, meanwhile, are always looking to develop quarterbacks, and McCarthy could sit and learn without the pressure of starting immediately.
For either team, acquiring McCarthy would be a low-risk, high-reward move. They could let him develop for a year or two without any quarterback controversy, and if he pans out, they've got their future starter.
What's Next for McCarthy?
If a trade does happen, McCarthy would get a fresh start with a new coaching staff that believes in his potential. That could be exactly what he needs to turn his career around. The Vikings, meanwhile, would move forward with Murray and perhaps draft another quarterback next year.
The NFL is a business, and sometimes things don't work out as planned. For McCarthy, a change of scenery might be the best thing for his career. As the season approaches, keep an eye on these three teams as potential trade partners.
For more on the evolving quarterback landscape, check out our look at the Raiders' fiery practice and the Spencer Rattler trade buzz.
