Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy visits with Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell after preseason motion, sharing a postgame second between younger NFL signal-callers. On Aug. 10, 2024, McCarthy and O’Connell met on the sphere at U.S. Financial institution Stadium following Minnesota’s exhibition matchup towards Las Vegas. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities.
If they don’t seem to be “forced,” the Minnesota Vikings most likely gained’t commerce J.J. McCarthy as a result of quarterback depth is so essential to the franchise. But when McCarthy expresses discontent someday this summer time, new normal supervisor Nolan Teasley — who has no allegiance to McCarthy — might don’t have any selection.
With that in thoughts, these are the probably touchdown spots, assuming Kyler Murray wins the QB1 job in August and McCarthy needs out.
The locations are listed in ascending order of probability (No. 1 = probably commerce companion).
Arizona Tops the Listing for a Hypothetical McCarthy Pivot
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy arms the soccer to working again Aaron Jones Sr. throughout a house matchup towards the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The Vikings emphasised offensive steadiness whereas constructing momentum early within the season. Captured on Sep. 14, 2025, the play highlights Minnesota’s backfield partnership in motion. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
Whereas Jalen Hurts shouldn’t be a nasty quarterback — he’s fairly superior, in actual fact — his inventory feels prefer it’s at an all-time low, as onlookers marvel if he has the abdomen for a pass-happy offense. As Hurts ages, his legs gained’t be fairly as a lot of an choice. Ask Cam Newton.
The Eagles additionally don’t appear completely enamored with Hurts — in comparison with a yr or two in the past — so if McCarthy grew to become obtainable, they may pounce and make him the QB behind Hurts. Andy Dalton is the present QB2, however McCarthy is 15 years his junior.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers made the minimize for one cause: what if Tampa Bay’s brass already is aware of that it’ll not pay Baker Mayfield $50 million or $60 million per season? Mayfield seems to be at odds with the Buccaneers’ entrance workplace, and if that holds, he’d hit free company subsequent March.
Tampa Bay normal supervisor Jason Licht may hearth off a 4th-Spherical decide to Minnesota for McCarthy.
6. Miami Dolphins
Malik Willis is the proposed answer for Miami in 2026, with the staff led by former Inexperienced Packers personalities Jon-Eric Sullivan (normal supervisor) and Jeff Hafley (head coach). Willis may fit out simply tremendous for the Dolphins. However what if his success in Inexperienced Bay was a small-sample mirage? McCarthy, as an choice going ahead, may test some packing containers, paired with Quinn Ewers within the Dolphins’ quarterback room behind Willis.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers has vowed to play yet another yr — after which that’s it. After him on the depth chart are Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar. Why not ship a mid-round decide to Minnesota to make it a three-horse race of kids when Rodgers walks away?
Mike McCarthy — a little bit of a quarterback whisperer — may also help J.J. McCarthy feast with the right mentorship, The McCarthies.
Each day Norseman‘s Warren Ludford wrote this week, “The Steelers come to mind in that regard. Aaron Rodgers is 43 and will retire after this season. They have Mason Rudolph (31) and Will Howard on their roster. Adding McCarthy could give them a better spot starter this year if Rodgers is injured and he could win the starting job next year, benefitting from a year learning from the future Hall of Famer.”
“If the Steelers view themselves as a playoff team this year, that means they won’t be in a good position to draft a top quarterback in next year’s draft either. Spending a third-round pick on McCarthy makes a lot of sense in that situation.”
4. New York Jets
Geno Smith gained’t final lengthy in New York, and Cade Klubnik is New York’s stab at a rookie passer from April’s draft. McCarthy has a extra full toolkit than Klubnik, and that’s not a daring take.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik delivers a go in the course of the Pinstripe Bowl towards Penn State at Yankee Stadium. Klubnik entered the postseason as certainly one of school soccer’s most recognizable signal-callers, main Clemson by means of one other profitable marketing campaign. Photographed on Dec. 27, 2025, the play showcases his pocket presence and arm expertise on a nationwide stage. Necessary Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Pictures.
If McCarthy turns into obtainable through commerce, the Jets ought to commerce for him, giving him an opportunity to prepare dinner with Breece Corridor, Garrett Wilson, and Kenyon Sadiq.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
The Harbaugh Angle.
McCarthy has 2-3 years left on his rookie contract. If he decides to be accomplished with Minnesota, he ought to reunite with Harbaugh for 2 seasons of tender, love, and care with the school coach — and be one snap away from the motion if Justin Herbert misses time.
Harbaugh and McCarthy gained a championship in school. They might be a part of forces once more. Harbaugh completely loves McCarthy.
2. Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones turned in a handful of candy video games for the Colts final yr earlier than tearing his Achilles. He’s evidently monitoring to be prepared for Week 1, however typically, gamers simply don’t heal proper from a busted Achilles.
The Colts will do something to resolve their post-Andrew-Luck quarterback conundrum, together with swinging a deal for McCarthy if it got here all the way down to it.
1. Arizona Cardinals
This staff is in quarterback hell, making the choice to drop Kyler Murray much more flummoxing. The Cardinals will showcase three quarterbacks this summer time: Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck, and Gardner Minshew. Beck is the one one with long-term QB1 upside. Brissett and Minshew are backups. Interval.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett drops again to throw throughout a street sport towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The veteran passer relied on his expertise whereas directing Arizona’s offense all through the competition. Captured on Nov. 30, 2025, the picture displays Brissett’s continued function as a reliable NFL quarterback. Necessary Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Pictures.
Until the Cardinals tank — does normal supervisor Monti Ossenfort actually have the clout to try this? — they need to commerce for McCarthy if he’s obtainable and let him rip because the QB1 in 2026.
It’s a greater answer than letting Brissett dog-walk you with a contractual holdout.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
