New J.J. McCarthy Rumors Reveal Why Vikings Decided Against Trade, Release Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy's contract situation reportedly may have played a role in the Minnesota Vikings keeping him on the roster rather than releasing him.

According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, the Vikings would have been on the hook for the remaining $4.85 million in guarantees on McCarthy's contract had they cut him due to a collective bargaining agreement rule that prevents teams from renegotiating a drafted player's contract over their first three seasons.

Additionally, Pelissero noted that the Vikings had "no intention" of losing McCarthy for nothing, especially since he is "well-liked in the locker room and has gone 6-4 as a starter."

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Selected 10th overall by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft out of Michigan, McCarthy has had a rocky start to his NFL career.

He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, and although he won the starting job entering the 2025 campaign, injuries limited him to only 10 starts.

McCarthy did go 6-4, but his production left plenty to be desired, as he completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while also rushing for 181 yards and four scores.

Given McCarthy's inconsistent play, the Vikings decided to add some competition by signing longtime Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray in free agency.

It wasn't long before Murray pulled ahead in the quarterback battle, and he was ultimately named the Vikings' QB1 last month.

Given the presence of Murray and veteran backup quarterback Carson Wentz on the roster, there was some speculation that the Vikes would look to cut or trade McCarthy prior to the start of the season.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Aug. 30 on SportsCenter that McCarthy's standing in Minnesota was a "question that looms around the league."

Despite that, the Vikings decided to keep McCarthy, and they currently have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, plus Max Brosmer on the practice squad.

There is a distinct possibility that McCarthy could open the regular season as the Vikings' QB3 behind Murray and Wentz, and if that is the case, it could suggest that Minnesota would be open to moving on from him in the right scenario, especially since 2027 is the final year of his contract.