The Minnesota Vikings are in a precarious situation with their quarterback, J.J.McCarthy. He and his acquired counterpart, Kyler Murray, are vying for the starting QB race, but a possible trade proposal could change McCarthy’s trajectory.

“Cardinals receive: QB J.J. McCarthy. Vikings receive: 2027 fifth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round pick,” FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox wrote on June 20, as reported by the Viking Age.

Wilcox was expanding on what four trades he thinks should take place before the 2026 season begins. He proposed this trade between the Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals, Murray’s former team. The analyst also opined that the Vikings parting ways with McCarthy is inevitable. 

“The writing is on the wall; Kyler Murray is the new quarterback in town, and the Minnesota Vikings even brought Carson Wentz back too. That should tell J.J. McCarthy everything he needs to know about his job security in Minnesota,” he elaborated. 

He also highlighted the New York Jets as the only team capable of taking a risk on McCarthy. The much-celebrated 23-year-old quarterback has lost his hype since he joined the pro league. Coming off the national championship in 2024 with the Michigan Wolverines, McCarthy was drafted 10th overall that year.

It appeared that the Vikings had hit a jackpot, but McCarthy did not step onto the field until the late 2025 season. He suffered a series of injuries that kept him out for a long time. He sat out the 2024 season entirely. McCarthy recorded just 1,632 passing yards, threw 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year.

Apart from his poor NFL performances, McCarthy has been flagged for the comments he made on Murray’s acquisition. 

“Look, the organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room,” McCarthy told reporters on May 27. 

Apart from the implications of his comments and Wilcox’s trade proposal, there is another factor brewing that could push McCarthy out of the team.

Brendan Sorsby’s supplemental draft declaration rings alarm bells for J.J. McCarthy

22-year-old former Texas Tech quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, had declared for this year’s supplemental draft. The controversial dual-threat QB played for the Cincinnati Bearcats and Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

He is said to hold a pro day on July 10th at Southlake Carroll High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as per A to Z Sports. So, how does J.J. McCarthy factor in?

“The only way a significant investment in Sorsby (a first, second, or third-round bid) makes sense for the Vikings is if the front office firmly believes he can be the long-term starting quarterback. And if that belief exists, trading McCarthy should be the next step,” Tyler Forness wrote on June 21.

He also opined that two developing QBs on the roster would be too much of a hassle for the franchise. If these reports are indicative of an impending decision, McCarthy is up for a major change. What are your thoughts? 

Read more at the Michigan Football Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar