Vikings GM Explains J.J. McCarthy Trade to Giants, Says QB's 'Story is Not Yet Written'

Just over two years ago, the Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, hoping he could eventually be their franchise quarterback.

On Monday, they traded him to the New York Giants in return for a fifth-round pick.

Despite the trade, Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley had high praise for his former quarterback.

"We still have a ton of respect for J.J. Appreciate his professionalism since I've been in this building and even within this situation specifically, sitting down and talking with him this morning, he's a pro," Teasley said (2:05 mark). "He's a great young man. He's a good person. He's a great teammate and I continue to believe that his story is not yet written in this league and that he has the potential to continue to grow and develop and make a difference in the National Football League."

McCarthy's time with the Vikings got off to a rocky start as he missed his entire rookie year due to a knee injury. Once healthy in Year 2, McCarthy did little to prove that he was capable of being the team's long-term option at quarterback.

In 10 games last year, McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing just 57.6 percent of his passes. His poor performance under center led to the Vikings signing Kyler Murray following his exit from the Arizona Cardinals.

Murray beat McCarthy for the starting role, and McCarthy was later demoted to the team's third-string quarterback behind Carson Wentz.

"When the situation with the Giants presented itself, we spoke internally — that's coaches, myself, the personnel staff, ownership, everyone together — just in terms of where we are in terms of our roster, where it is currently," Teasley said. "That includes the quarterback room... Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that this was the best path forward and the best decision for the Minnesota Vikings."

The decision to part ways with a still-young quarterback perhaps speaks to the Vikings' belief in Murray moving forward. The 29-year-old suffered a concussion in Week 1 and had to miss Week 2 as well. He led Minnesota to a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday behind 168 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception.

"A lot of belief in the quarterback room," Teasley said. "We've spoken to that from the beginning: the goal was to build a deep, competitive room, and we've spoken about Kyler's potential in this offense. Still looking forward to that coming to fruition and took some steps forward in that regard yesterday."

Being traded in just the third year of his career is surely a bit demoralizing for McCarthy, but the change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. With Jaxson Dart out for the season, McCarthy will play backup to Jameis Winston and has a much better chance of seeing the field this year.

He's still far from being a starting-caliber quarterback, but he at least won't have to serve as the third-string option as he did in Minnesota.