‘Sean Payton was right’: J.J. McCarthy’s Vikings future takes a stunning turn as QB reunion talk grows

J.J. McCarthy's Minnesota Vikings future has taken another twist, with speculation growing that the former first-round pick could be traded or released before the start of the 2026 season.

The quarterback has been under increasing pressure following a difficult spell in Minnesota, while the Vikings have already named Kyler Murray their QB1 for the upcoming campaign.

Now, the possibility of McCarthy leaving has opened the door to a potential reunion with former Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens, who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

J.J. McCarthy's Vikings future remains uncertain

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during pre-season and undergoing surgery.

He returned in 2025 but struggled for consistency, completing 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns across 10 games as Minnesota went 6-4 in his starts.

The Vikings have since moved ahead with Murray, leaving McCarthy's role unclear as roster cuts approach.

NFL analyst Paul Charchian was particularly critical of the situation, arguing that Minnesota's decision to move on from Sam Darnold in 2025 to keep McCarthy was another mistake.

'Tomorrow likely ends JJ McCarthy's time in Minnesota. Worse than getting nothing from the 2023 1.10, the team doubled down on him when they chose to let Sam Darnold walk. A brutal series of decisions with franchise-changing ramifications,' Charchian wrote.

He then added a blunt assessment of the quarterback's situation: 'Worst part, Sean Payton was right.'

Payton had previously claimed he used smoke screens to encourage Minnesota to trade up for McCarthy at No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft, allowing Denver to select Bo Nix at No. 12.

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Alec Lewis believes McCarthy could have played his last regular-season snap for the Vikings.

Nick Mullens emerges as a possible Vikings reunion

McCarthy's uncertain future comes as Mullens suddenly becomes available.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Jacksonville released the veteran quarterback one day after trading for Quinn Ewers. ESPN's Kevin Seifert responded with an eyes emoji, although he stressed that he did not know anything about a possible Vikings reunion.

Mullens previously spent three seasons in Minnesota under Kevin O'Connell, appearing in 13 games and making three starts.

He completed 70.3 per cent of his passes for 1,568 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions during that spell.

With quarterback spots still available around the league, Mullens could quickly find another home. For Minnesota, however, his sudden availability adds another option if the Vikings decide McCarthy's time with the franchise is over.