Matt Levine works as a lead contributing writer for TWSN. His expertise is in covering the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and college athletics. He has been with TWSN since 2025. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University.
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Entering the NFL offseason, the big question around the Minnesota Vikings was centered around how the team planned to go about the quarterback position. After failing to make the playoffs in 2025, Minnesota had to make some changes, especially with the struggles and inconsistency from second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy had small flashes of showing why the Vikings drafted him, but overall, it was a frustrating season for everyone involved. Minnesota has a roster that is built to win right now, so the front office decided to add a veteran to the mix.
The Vikings signed former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray in free agency, and this has now put a wrench in the plans for McCarthy to be the starter. Murray, in all likelihood will start for Minnesota this season, giving the Vikings a better chance to get back into the playoffs.
With this, we could see the Vikings look to trade McCarthy, especially if they don’t want to mess with his confidence after he started this past season. If Minnesota were to place McCarthy on the trade block, we could see a few teams across the NFL look to make a move.
After all, McCarthy is still only 23 years old, and there were some things that he did well for Minnesota a year ago. But as the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, we should have much more clarify on how the Vikings want to play everything.
TWSN Quick Facts:
Would J.J. McCarthy Make Sense to Replace Matthew Stafford?
One team that could be interested in trading for McCarthy, if the Vikings made him available, is the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles needs a backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford, and McCarthy could be the answer.
There is no telling how many more years Stafford will play in the league, and he has flirted with retirement in each of the past few offseasons. The veteran did say that he is returning for the 2026 season, giving Los Angeles at least one more year with him.
But McCarthy could come in to be the backup to Stafford, and then potentially the eventual replacement for the Rams. Playing under Rams head coach Sean McVay may do wonders for McCarthy as McVay has been known to do well with younger quarterbacks in the past.
McCarthy could also learn from Stafford while he’s still on the roster, which could massively benefit the young signal-caller. Stafford is one of the better quarterbacks in the last almost two decades, and he could help McCarthy navigate the NFL life better.
Overall, the Rams make a lot of sense for the quarterback, and the team should try to land him from Minnesota. McCarthy could, at the very least, give this team more options for the future, which is something that they don’t current have on the roster.
J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 Stats
In his first full season playing in the NFL, McCarthy played in 10 games for the Vikings due to injuries limiting him. Overall, he threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
On the ground, the signal-caller rushed for 181 yards and four scores, showing some dual-threat ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does J.J. McCarthy’s contract breakdown?
McCarthy has two more guaranteed years left on his current deal, with him being scheduled to make $5.9 million for the 2026 season. The signal-caller is scheduled to make $6.9 million for the 2027 season, and then he has a club option for the 2028 year.
When was J.J. McCarthy drafted?
McCarthy was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Vikings.
Where did J.J. McCarthy go to college?
McCarthy went to the University of Michigan for college. He helped the Wolverines win the National Championship in 2023.
When does Matthew Stafford’s contract end?
Stafford will be a free agent after the 2026 season. But the veteran has talked about retirement recently, so this upcoming year could be his last season.
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Matt Levine works as a lead contributing writer for TWSN. His expertise is in covering the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and college athletics. He has been with TWSN since 2025. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University.