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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After the Minnesota Vikings signed free agent Kyler Murray to be the starting quarterback next season, rumors started to fly around what the future held for J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota allowed McCarthy to be the starter in 2025, but things didn’t go as planned, and the team ended up missing the playoffs entirely.
McCarthy was very inconsistent for the Vikings this past season, and injuries did limit his overall ability on the field. But the young starter did go 6-4 overall, so he was able to maintain a record over .500 for the year.
However, this Vikings team is built to win right now, so they didn’t have the ability to wait for him to development or even give him the chance. With this, it could see Minnesota look to potentially trade McCarthy, especially since if he stays, he will be benched after starting a year ago.
Moves like this can mess with the confidence of a young player, so Minnesota may be better off simply allowing him the chance to start elsewhere. And with the NFL Draft coming up, we could see possibly some type of move take place between the Vikings and McCarthy.
TWSN Quick Facts:
Would J.J. McCarthy Make Sense For Arizona Cardinals?
One team that could be interested in going after McCarthy could be the Arizona Cardinals, who are in need of a new quarterback for the future. Arizona brought in new head coach Mike LaFleur to run the show, and he is likely to evaluate the position to his liking, which could include the team going after someone.
McCarthy is young enough to build and grow under LaFleur, and he could be a solid option for the Cardinals to consider for the 2026 season. This Cardinals team wants to start building toward contention, and McCarthy did show some signs last season of why he was drafted in the first round by the Vikings.
Arizona could take a chance on the young signal-caller, giving them a chance to bring him in to evaluate him this season. The Cardinals could then wait to draft a quarterback, instead using the No. 3 overall pick that they have to address a different hole on the roster.
The quarterback draft class in 2027 is expected to be much stronger than this year’s so if McCarthy were to struggle, the Cardinals could turn their attention to next year’s draft. But the team would be getting former top-10 pick in McCarthy, and he could be given the keys for the season, offering him the chance to earn the starting job long-term.
With Marvin Harrison Jr, Trey McBride, and others on the Cardinals roster, McCarthy could have some strong offensive weapons to work with. And under the system that LaFleur will be in place, the young player may be able to find some success.
His first year in the NFL was a learning experience, but there is talent in this kid, and the Cardinals could be the place for him to thrive. Overall, Arizona could get a look at McCarthy moving forward, while still maintaining long-term flexibility, which makes this potential move make a lot of sense.
J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 Stats
McCarthy played in 10 games for the Vikings this season, going 6-4 as a starter, while throwing for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did J.J. McCarthy go to college?
McCarthy went to the University of Michigan, helping the Wolverines win a National Championship in 2023.
Where was Mike LaFleur before the Cardinals hired him?
LaFleur worked as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams before the Cardinals brought him in.
What is J.J. McCarthy making per season?
McCarthy will make $5.9 million for the 2026 season, and then $6.9 million for 2027. The signal-caller then has a club option for 2028.
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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.