The Minnesota Vikings are closing in on a QB1 decision, and it doesn’t look good for J.J. McCarthy. Christopher Kline of FanSided reported five teams already positioning themselves for a trade with Kyler Murray taking over OTAs. 

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert stated the “gap was not close” between Murray and McCarthy. It was noted Murray was making textbook throws as well as executing deep throws with precision, raising doubts about McCarthy's future in Minnesota.

According to Kline, the Atlanta Falcons can be involved in the trade. Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from injury and competing with veteran Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled with injuries and turnovers in recent seasons. Neither option is strong enough to carry the offense. So, they can consider McCarthy as a developmental option.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, as reported by Kline, require a successor to 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who has announced this will be his last season. While McCarthy can be the successor, they have two young quarterbacks in Will Howard and Drew Allar, both drafted in 2025. However, they have their problems with Allar being inconsistent and prone to turnovers, while Howard is "point-guard" like.

The Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals are the final three suitors. Texans might consider McCarthy for leverage in contract negotiations with CJ Stroud.

Meanwhile, the Jets are headlined with an unproven Geno Smith with two UDFA's, Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook, and Cade Klubnik. Given Smith’s turnover issues and the group’s inconsistency, the team could consider taking a developmental chance on McCarthy.

The Cardinals are seeing Jacoby Brissett as a short-term option. Behind him are Carson Beck and Gardner Minshew, who are not projected as long-term options. So, it makes way for McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy's Future Grows Uncertain in Minnesota

Following McCarthy's Week 1 of 2025 comeback victory against the Chicago Bears, most had predicted 2026 to be ‘the year’ for McCarthy. Now, the possibility of him not making the roster is looking more likely.

CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan recently named McCarthy among eight NFL players running out of time.

"The Vikings brought in legitimate competition in Murray this offseason, and the veteran appears to have the inside track to winning the job," wrote the analyst. "With Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the general manager who selected McCarthy, fired earlier this offseason, arguably McCarthy's biggest supporter is no longer in the building."

Without Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's internal advocacy, McCarthy's evaluation is solely performance-based, and Murray is winning that evaluation.

It is believed head coach Kevin O’Connell will officially announce the decision within the immediate future, and with Murray running first team alongside Justin Jefferson, the decision has already been made.

What do you think of McCarthy's trading chances? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar