Vikings’ Latest Move Suggests J.J. McCarthy Is Officially Done In Minnesota
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
J.J. McCarthy is struggling, and it’s beginning to be worrisome for his future with the Minnesota Vikings. Just a few weeks ago, a video clip of him having a hard time in training camp went viral.
That was a likely precedent of things to come for the young quarterback. While he’s dealt with injuries in the past, McCarthy has struggled with consistency and is turnover-prone in a limited sample size on the field.
Now, he’s facing another issue as he could be out of the final 53 once the Vikings roster is set on Sunday.
J.J. McCarthy Could Lose Backup Spot To Carson Wentz
According to a report from Kevin Seifert of ESPN, McCarthy and Wentz split the second team 80-minute practice on Tuesday.
That’s not a good sign for McCarthy’s prospects to become the main backup quarterback for the Vikings. He already lost his starting spot to Kyler Murray, a more proven quarterback who signed with the team as a free agent in the offseason.
Due to his continued struggles, it’s becoming a reality for J.J. McCarthy to fall out altogether once Minnesota finalizes its 53-man roster.
With the Vikings raring to bounce back this upcoming season, the team’s upper brass could go for the veteran Wentz as their main backup quarterback.
The journeyman QB has proven that he can be effective, albeit in a limited role.
Vikings May Try To Trade McCarthy
If the 23-year-old fails to impress, the Minnesota Vikings may opt to trade him. He is still owed around $1.075 million this season and $3.775 million next season, both of which are guaranteed.
However, to facilitate such a deal, the Vikings will have to pay additional money just to get them off the hook from J.J McCarthy’s contract. It won’t be easy, but feasible for both parties.
There’s another route for Minnesota to take – simply waiving him. While that could be drastic, that’s how far McCarthy’s value has fallen since his selection at 10th in the 2024 NFL Draft.
