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It’s been a rollercoaster of a career for J.J. McCarthy since winning the national championship with the Michigan Wolverines. McCarthy had plenty of hype leaving the Wolverines, and the Minnesota Vikings were on board.
The Vikings moved up to draft McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But a preseason injury ended his first season in Minnesota, and then inconsistent play and more injuries were the theme of McCarthy’s second season with the Vikings.
Entering Year 3 on the team, McCarthy finds himself on the bench once again. Head coach Kevin O’Connell named Kyler Murray the starting quarterback after signing the former Cardinal to a veteran minimum deal.
MORE: Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy had no chance against Kyler Murray, Kyle Brandt claims
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Despite losing out on the starting job, one year after being named the starter, McCarthy insists he still wants to be in Minnesota. Murray was named the starter on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, McCarthy spoke with the media.
“This is the place I want to be,” McCarthy said. “And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase. And I’m going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”
It’s not the first time McCarthy has had to sit on the bench to watch and learn. But it’s the first time in this circumstance. In his freshman season in Ann Arbor, McCarthy sat behind veteran Cade McNamara before earning the starting nod in Year 2.
In 2024 with Minnesota, Sam Darnold was going to win the job whether McCarthy was healthy or not.
“Obviously, every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said. “But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”
On the outside looking in, it feels like the two sides are at a bit of a crossroads. Minnesota drafted McCarthy to become its next franchise signal caller and the Vikings gave him the chance last season. But he completed less than 58% of his passes and threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11).
And now there is another quarterback in the way. Kyler Murray might be on a one-year deal, but if he does what Sam Darnold did two seasons ago, the Vikings would be foolish to let Murray walk away as they did with Darnold.
For McCarthy, what feels like his only chance to remain in Minnesota for the long haul is for Murray to disappoint and when No. 9 gets his name called, he has to go out and play well.
Ultimately, Kevin O’Connell picking Murray over McCarthy feels like the marriage is coming to a close, and it was a short one. It’s possible he finishes off his rookie contract, unless the Vikings can find a trade partner, but once again, Minnesota has appeared to strike out on finding its franchise quarterback through the draft.
You can look throughout the history of the NFL and find quarterbacks who have done better with a change of scenery. Fans were hopeful that McCarthy was going to be the savior of a franchise that has done a poor job of picking quarterbacks in the NFL Draft. But a change of scenery might be best for the former high draft pick.
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The Vikings moved up to draft McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But a preseason injury ended his first season in Minnesota, and then inconsistent play and more injuries were the theme of McCarthy’s second season with the Vikings.
Entering Year 3 on the team, McCarthy finds himself on the bench once again. Head coach Kevin O’Connell named Kyler Murray the starting quarterback after signing the former Cardinal to a veteran minimum deal.
MORE: Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy had no chance against Kyler Murray, Kyle Brandt claims
McCarthy says he wants to remain in Minnesota
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Despite losing out on the starting job, one year after being named the starter, McCarthy insists he still wants to be in Minnesota. Murray was named the starter on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, McCarthy spoke with the media.
“This is the place I want to be,” McCarthy said. “And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase. And I’m going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”
It’s not the first time McCarthy has had to sit on the bench to watch and learn. But it’s the first time in this circumstance. In his freshman season in Ann Arbor, McCarthy sat behind veteran Cade McNamara before earning the starting nod in Year 2.
In 2024 with Minnesota, Sam Darnold was going to win the job whether McCarthy was healthy or not.
“Obviously, every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said. “But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”
What should McCarthy/Minnesota do?
On the outside looking in, it feels like the two sides are at a bit of a crossroads. Minnesota drafted McCarthy to become its next franchise signal caller and the Vikings gave him the chance last season. But he completed less than 58% of his passes and threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11).
And now there is another quarterback in the way. Kyler Murray might be on a one-year deal, but if he does what Sam Darnold did two seasons ago, the Vikings would be foolish to let Murray walk away as they did with Darnold.
For McCarthy, what feels like his only chance to remain in Minnesota for the long haul is for Murray to disappoint and when No. 9 gets his name called, he has to go out and play well.
Ultimately, Kevin O’Connell picking Murray over McCarthy feels like the marriage is coming to a close, and it was a short one. It’s possible he finishes off his rookie contract, unless the Vikings can find a trade partner, but once again, Minnesota has appeared to strike out on finding its franchise quarterback through the draft.
You can look throughout the history of the NFL and find quarterbacks who have done better with a change of scenery. Fans were hopeful that McCarthy was going to be the savior of a franchise that has done a poor job of picking quarterbacks in the NFL Draft. But a change of scenery might be best for the former high draft pick.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
