The Minnesota Vikings didn’t have to trade for quarterback Kyler Murray. The Arizona Cardinals released the two-time Pro Bowler, who the Vikings signed in free agency. But with one J.J. McCarthy trade idea, the two quarterbacks could still trade places.
On a list of surprising trades that could still happen this offseason, Moton proposed the Vikings send McCarthy to the Cardinals.
“In the best-case scenario for McCarthy, he would go to a team that allows him to battle for the starting job. The Arizona Cardinals have journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II atop their quarterback depth chart,” wrote Moton.
“In Arizona, McCarthy can learn from Brissett and Minshew while competing against them. The Cardinals would have a developmental signal-caller with room for growth and no obligation to start him right away.”
McCarthy led the Vikings to a 6-4 record as a starter last season. But he severely struggled, completing just 57.6% of his passes while throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. He also averaged 6.7 yards per throw.
That’s McCarthy’s only NFL action in the regular season. The quarterback missed his rookie season because of an ACL injury.
With Murray in the fold next season, pundits do not expect McCarthy to start, barring an injury to Murray, in 2026.
“Once the Cardinals released Murray, he had several suitors. Choosing Minnesota signaled a degree of devotion from Murray,” Alec Lewis of The Athletic wrote Friday. “In other words, he isn’t joining up with O’Connell, superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and the Vikings to sit and watch.”
Why Vikings Might Trade J.J. McCarthy
Pundits pushed the narrative throughout the offseason the Vikings wanted to add quarterback competition for McCarthy. They did that with the Murray signing.
With that in mind, it seems a bit odd to suggest Minnesota could then turn around and trade McCarthy after landing competition for him. After all, Murray is signed to only a 1-year deal.
That’s why Moton’s trade proposal is probably best described as a “surprise.”
Still, trade rumors are likely to swirl around McCarthy this offseason with his uncertain Minnesota future. If at any point the Vikings begin to feel great about Murray as their starter beyond 2026, then McCarthy will be expendable.
Despite how he’s played, he could have trade value as a former No. 10 pick. He’s also still only 23 years old and affordable because of his rookie contract.
Potential Trade Landing Spots for McCarthy
There are always teams searching for talent behind center. That’s why McCarthy could have value on the trade market.
But after a week of free agency, a lot of teams have already acquired signal-callers. That may limit where McCarthy could land if the Vikings want to make an immediate offseason trade.
As of March 14, four teams have potential openings at quarterback. One of those teams, though, the Las Vegas Raiders, who will probably draft a quarterback. Another one, the Pittsburgh Steelers, appears more than content to wait for Aaron Rodgers.
That makes the Cardinals the most probable destination.
However, if the Vikings do trade McCarthy this offseason, it’s not likely to be immediately. Again, Murray doesn’t have a certain future in Minnesota.
Should the Vikings deal McCarthy this year, it will likely be much closer to the season or before the trade deadline. Maybe more potential destinations emerge before then.
‘Surprise’ Trade Pitch Sees Vikings Part Ways With QB J.J. McCarthy