Jason Burgos
A new report adds further momentum to the idea that the Minnesota Vikings could trade 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy this offseason.
After an underwhelming sophomore year, reports quickly emerged that McCarthy was no longer a sure thing to be the team’s starter next season. The early speculation was that the Vikings would bring in a veteran to compete with the prospect for the QB1 spot in 2026.
However, that changed when the Vikings made a splash in free agency this week by signing former Arizona Cardinals two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. While the team hasn’t officially named him as their new QB1, only a serious injury would derail that eventuality.
Yet, Minnesota wasn’t done adding to its QB room for next season. They also re-signed backup Carson Wentz on Thursday. The addition caught some by surprise since McCarthy should be the QB2, and the 10-year veteran is overqualified to be a third-string signal caller. Or maybe the Vikings are looking at the former first-round pick to be their backup in 2026.
Could the Minnesota Vikings choose Max Brosmer over JJ McCarthy?
On Friday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports Minnesota brass are still high on 2025 undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. The team won’t have three QBs on the 53-man roster during the season, but are weary of cutting and then adding him to the practice squad because he would have to clear waivers first.
That’s why Florio suggests “It’s possible, then, that one of the three veterans — Murray, McCarthy, Wentz — won’t be on the Week 1 roster.”
Murray is not getting traded before Week 1. Wentz could certainly be an option. However, after playing on six different teams the last six years, rivals probably won’t be kicking down the door to give up draft assets to get him. However, there may be another team that still sees upside in McCarthy and would be willing to give up picks in a deal.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported recently that if the Vikings did trade McCarthy, the return could be a bit less than what the Miami Dolphins gave the Arizona Cardinals for Josh Rosen six years ago. That was a second and fifth-round pick.
