Overview
- Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed on Wednesday that Kyler Murray will start Week 1, Carson Wentz is the No. 2 quarterback and J.J. McCarthy is listed as the No. 3, reducing McCarthy’s near-term chance to play.
- Minnesota kept McCarthy on its 53-man roster at the final cutdown and moved Max Brosmer to the practice squad, signaling the team chose to retain depth rather than accept a low trade return.
- Reports say roughly $4.85 million in remaining guarantees on McCarthy’s contract and a CBA rule that prevents renegotiating a drafted player’s deal in the first three seasons made the Vikings unable to absorb or restructure money to facilitate a trade.
- McCarthy missed his rookie year with a knee injury and started 10 games in 2025, going 6-4 with a 57.6% completion rate, 1,632 yards, 11 TDs and 12 INTs, which leaves the club balancing development hope against shaky film and injury history.
- Pundits continue to list McCarthy as a likely midseason trade candidate, but multiple outlets say an immediate deal is unlikely and any move will probably hinge on performance shifts, injuries or the Nov. 10 trade deadline.