J.J. McCarthy's comments on potential trade may surprise you

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's comments about potential trade may surprise you

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 10, 2026 9:01 AM ET

Say what you want about beleaguered Minnesota Vikings third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but he's loyal.

The Vikings signed former Arizona Cardinals star Kyler Murray to a one-year deal to compete with McCarthy for the starting job this offseason. It wouldn't be stunning if he loses the position battle to the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year after the former Michigan Wolverines standout threw more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11) in his first season as a full-time starter in 2025.

Even if he loses the starting job to Murray, McCarthy, the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, wants to remain in Minnesota.

J.J. McCarthy expresses desire to stay with Vikings

"I think I made it very clear I wanted to be here before I got here," McCarthy told the media at OTAs on Tuesday. "And I love this organization, I love this coaching staff. I absolutely love these players to death. This is where I want to be. I feel like I can thrive in this system. Everything played out exactly how I wanted it. I wouldn't want anything to change."

J.J. McCarthy is happy in Minnesota ⬇️

(via @Vikings) pic.twitter.com/GgH7OmpKLO
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) June 9, 2026

McCarthy's situation, however, could change quickly if he loses the job. Teams regularly bail on young QBs, even if they're first-round picks, after they've found their guy.

For example, the San Francisco 49ers dealt QB Trey Lance, pick No. 3 in the 2021 draft, to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2023 season after it became apparent Brock Purdy was the QB of the future. Lance is now playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, his third team.

Unlike the 49ers, the Vikings haven't found their answer at QB. Murray may be a better option than McCarthy, but he might not be a significant upgrade.

Murray battled a foot injury and subpar play in his final season with the Cardinals in 2025. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick went 2-3 in five starts last season, tossing six TD passes and three interceptions and logging a below-average 47.2 QBR.

The Vikings may turn to McCarthy again if Murray flops or suffers an injury. After he struggled last season, figure on him floundering again.

The Vikings' QB situation remains murky at best. But one thing is certain: McCarthy must showcase plenty of flashes throughout the competition to prove he deserves to stay with the NFC North club.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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