McCarthy makes Vikings' initial roster — but future remains uncertain

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

J.J. McCarthy makes Vikings' initial 53-man roster — but future remains uncertain

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 30, 2026 8:53 PM ET

Third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will remain with the Minnesota Vikings ... for now.

The Vikings, like all other 31 NFL teams, trimmed their rosters from 90 to 53 players before Sunday's deadline at 6 p.m. ET. McCarthy made the cut, despite losing the starting QB battle to Kyler Murray in training camp and struggling to remain QB2 over Carson Wentz.

McCarthy, who missed Minnesota's preseason finale against the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury, went 9-of-17 passing (52.9 completion percentage, well below average) for 115 yards and two interceptions in preseason. Wentz, meanwhile, went 21-of-29 passing (72.4 completion percentage, above average) for 188 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. ESPN still lists McCarthy as the QB2 on the Vikings' depth chart, but the team will release an updated one later this week.

McCarthy can breathe a sigh of relief after making the team, but he can't rest easy as his future with the Vikings remains in limbo.

Despite any speculation that he could be released or traded, Minnesota QB J.J. McCarthy finished cutdown day on the Vikings’ 53-man roster. pic.twitter.com/gtyecBT1ce
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026

Why J.J. McCarthy's future remains uncertain

McCarthy's future on the Vikings hinges on Murray's play. If the former Arizona Cardinals star struggles, Minnesota may turn to 2024 No. 10 pick McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell recently said the organization is still prioritizing his development, even after he lost the starting job.

If Murray thrives, however, the Vikings would focus less on McCarthy. They would also consider making Murray the guy for years to come. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year is on a one-year deal with Minnesota, but it may not hesitate to give him an extension if he leads the franchise back to the playoffs after a 9-8 2025 season.

The Vikings could show even more urgency in potential negotiations with Murray to avoid repeating the same mistake they made with Sam Darnold. Despite going 14-3 for Minnesota in 2024, it let the QB sign a three-year, $100.5M deal with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. He subsequently went 14-3 again and won his first Super Bowl. Whoops.

And in that case, could Minnesota trust McCarthy as a backup? Perhaps he'll dramatically improve in practice, but that's a big ask after watching him struggle against second- and third-stringers in preseason. Not to mention it makes him a less attractive option to potential trade suitors.

McCarthy made the team, which he should celebrate. But that does little to solidify his long-term future in Minnesota.

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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