J.J. McCarthy news
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The gist
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell named Kyler Murray starting QB, making J.J. McCarthy backup. McCarthy's preseason play and trade rumors shape his uncertain future with Minnesota.
Background
The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray in the offseason, and after training camp, head coach Kevin O'Connell named him the starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy, the team's 2024 first-round pick. McCarthy is now competing for the backup role, with Carson Wentz also in the mix. Trade speculation has emerged, with some insiders suggesting McCarthy wants out and could be dealt.
How it unfolded
- Aug 15, 2026Vikings beat Giants 13-10 in preseason; Murray debuts as starter, McCarthy plays.
- Aug 16, 2026Insider Jason La Canfora reports McCarthy wants out of Minnesota ASAP, with a GM saying he'll be elsewhere by season's end.
- Aug 17, 2026NBC Sports questions if McCarthy is at risk of falling to No. 3 on depth chart after a modest preseason performance.
- Aug 19, 2026Coach O'Connell praises McCarthy's practice reps, saying he's done well in taking all the two reps.
- Aug 21, 2026Sporting News reports only a 30% chance Vikings trade McCarthy, citing depth chart and likely offers.
- Aug 22, 2026In preseason game vs. Ravens, McCarthy completes 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards, with a 50-yard gain, but also misfires and gets banged up.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach O'Connell says Murray is definitely the starter, but McCarthy has taken all the two reps and done well.
- Analysts
- Bleacher Report's Moe Moton gives McCarthy a 30% trade chance, noting teams would need to offer a middle-round pick.
- Insider
- Jason La Canfora reports McCarthy wants out of Minnesota ASAP, and a GM says he'll be elsewhere by season's end.
- Caution
- A defensive coach told CBS Sports McCarthy is talented but needs to learn to manage a game and not do too much.
Still unverified
Insider reports that McCarthy wants out of Minnesota ASAP are based on unnamed sources and have not been confirmed by the team or McCarthy.