JUST-IN; Rising Trade Rumors: Minnesota Vikings QB Dilemma: Could J.J. McCarthy Be Traded? Here’s What You Need to Know!

After selecting J.J. McCarthy as the 10th overall pick, the Vikings’ quarterback situation took an unexpected turn. McCarthy, who was expected to be a key part of their future, suffered a torn meniscus before the season started, sidelining him for the entire year. As a result, the Vikings had to adjust their plans.

In the meantime, they signed Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal as a temporary fix. Darnold has performed admirably, putting up impressive statistics, including 4,153 passing yards, 35 touchdown passes, and 12 interceptions through Week 17. He’s completed 343 of 504 passes, boasting a solid 68.1% completion rate. Despite Darnold’s strong performance, speculation continues about McCarthy’s trade potential, with several teams showing interest in the rookie quarterback.

Although McCarthy’s future with the Vikings remains uncertain, many teams see him as one of the top quarterback prospects available. As a result, McCarthy has become a hot topic in trade discussions, with multiple franchises in need of a franchise quarterback eyeing him. However, the Vikings may be hesitant to trade McCarthy, as NFL analyst Ben Goessling suggests it’s unlikely they will part with him after investing heavily in his draft selection.

NFL insider Adam Schefter also reported that numerous teams will reach out to McCarthy’s camp to gauge his availability during the offseason. This puts the Vikings in a favorable position, as McCarthy is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft class. Possible trade partners include teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets, all of which have early-round picks.

McCarthy’s four-year rookie deal, valued at $21.85 million, along with a $12.71 million signing bonus, makes him an attractive asset for teams looking to bolster their quarterback position. However, any team interested in acquiring McCarthy will need to make a substantial offer, as the Vikings will expect a return that reflects their investment in the young quarterback. With the 2025 quarterback draft class lacking top-tier talent, McCarthy could be a tempting option for teams looking for a proven prospect.