The NFL is a little over 24 hours away from final roster cuts. Teams will have to make some difficult decisions and some once-promising players will be forced to find new homes.
However, there will also be some surprise departures through trades or releases once the cutdowns are finalized. The Minnesota Vikings are among the teams now expected to make a significant move.
The Athletic reports that the Vikings are expected to move on from J.J. McCarthy. Once viewed as the franchise’s quarterback of the future after Minnesota selected him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy now appears to be on the outside looking in.
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McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury before struggling to establish himself as the Vikings’ starter. He was benched last season, lost the starting job to Kyler Murray this offseason, and now appears to have fallen behind Carson Wentz for the primary backup role.
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)“McCarthy’s rough week added further murkiness about his status for 2026. The 23-year-old exited the second preseason game with an ankle injury, then practiced Monday and Tuesday. O’Connell gave him the day off Wednesday so that he could rest up enough to start Friday’s final preseason matchup with the Broncos. But McCarthy did not play. Wentz started and appears to be in line to be the team’s backup. McCarthy’s comfort (or lack thereof) with being QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota.” Alec Lewis wrote.
Where does McCarthy go from here?If the Vikings truly intend to move on from McCarthy, they will likely explore a trade before considering a release. Despite his struggles, the former first-round pick is still only 23 years old. He also has some pedigree that could entice another team.
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His trade value could resemble what the New England Patriots received for Mac Jones when they sent him to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones, another former first-round quarterback who failed to live up to expectations, fetched a sixth-round pick in the 2024 trade.
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The Vikings would likely be happy to get a Day 3 pick in exchange for McCarthy. There should be at least one team willing to take a similar gamble. A change of scenery, a fresh coaching staff, and some patience could give McCarthy another opportunity to prove he can become an NFL starter.
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