With Kyler Murray commanding the offense, Minnesota may capitalize on J.J. McCarthy’s potential by shipping the former first-round pick to a quarterback-hungry Giants team for draft capital.
The Minnesota Vikings have their starting quarterback. That quarterback is not J.J. McCarthy.
This offseason, the Vikings made a big splash in adding veteran former franchise quarterback Kyler Murray and re-signing backup quarterback Carson Wentz. In doing so, they relegated former Top 10 draft pick J.J. McCarthy to third string.
So far, the Vikings quarterback situation is working out for Minnesota. The Vikings look good on the whole so far this season, and both Murray and Wentz have combined to do just enough to get Minnesota in position to win. Wentz had a three-touchdown performance in Week 1, and the quarterback room has not held the Vikings back significantly.
Now, the question is what the Vikings will do with McCarthy. One NFL analyst has an answer that could solve that question.
Zakir Hassan of Gridiron Heroics is discussing the Vikings' potential trade of McCarthy. Here's what he had to say of McCarthy to the Giants this season.
"The Vikings are asking the Giants for a 2027 first-round pick for J.J. McCarthy, according to a report circulating Sunday. New York and Minnesota are reportedly still discussing a possible deal as the Giants search for another quarterback.
The price would be a big investment for a quarterback with only 10 NFL starts. McCarthy completed 57.6% of his passes last season for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also won six of his 10 starts.
Minnesota has reasons to think carefully before moving him. McCarthy is only 23 years old and remains on his rookie contract. The Vikings kept him through the offseason despite trade speculation, showing they still valued the former No. 10 overall pick.
Tom Pelissero recently identified McCarthy as an intriguing option for New York. The Giants extensively scouted him before the 2024 draft, and his ability to move outside the pocket could fit parts of the offense built around Dart."
That the Giants would want to bring over McCarthy as a potential solution may come as a surprise. McCarthy struggled in his time on the field with the Vikings in 2025. Still, the potential is there for the former Michigan quarterback to realize his potential.
For all his struggles, McCarthy fared well late in games last year leading several fourth quarter comebacks. His efforts helped the Vikings get to 9-8 although his struggles contributed to Minnesota's absence from the playoffs.
There is still plenty to be sorted out before McCarthy's destination is cemented and the Vikings may not have any intention of trading him away. We will keep an eye on where he ends up or if he stays in Minnesota through the trade deadline.
