5 J.J. McCarthy Trade Landing Spots Once Kyler Murray Wins Vikings Starting Job

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5 J.J. McCarthy Trade Landing Spots Once Kyler Murray Wins Vikings Starting Job

Andrew Buller-Russ · Sportsnaut

Sun, May 31, 2026 ·

4 min read

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After a tumultuous season, the Minnesota Vikings knew they had to upgrade the quarterback room. They did so in a big way, by signing former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray to a $1.3 million contract. The Vikings did so while retaining former No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy . Now both are set to compete for the starting QB job in Minnesota.

However, early indications suggest Murray is the early frontrunner to win the job , which is as expected for someone who's developed into a two-time Pro Bowler. Yet, if/when Murray is named the Vikings' starter, there's a chance that McCarthy requests a trade to a new destination. Below, we dive into which teams could take a chance on the 2024 first-round pick, who, according to The Athletic 's Alec Lewis , has shown growth this offseason.

Cleveland Browns

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cleveland Browns have four quarterbacks on the roster. They're still looking for a long-term starter. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are set to compete for the starting job, but what if Todd Monken isn't thrilled with either option? McCarthy is under contract through 2027, and if he performs well, the Browns could get control of him for an additional season. That could be attractive for a team with a lot of question marks at the position.

New York Jets

J.J. McCarthy — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the New York Jets were able to land Geno Smith at a discounted rate, chances are he won't be the team's starter in 2027. Heck, Smith might not even be the Jets' starting QB by the end of the season. This is a rebuilding squad that has a lot to prove, just like McCarthy. The Jets likely want to see how far along third-round rookie Drew Allar is before investing in another young developmental option, but it never hurts to add more potential starters at the most important position in football.

Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 42-year-old starting quarterback. Eventually, they need to plan for a future after Aaron Rodgers . The Steelers do have a pair of developmental options in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard , plus third-round rookie Drew Allar. Between the two, there could be a future starter in there, but adding a former first-round pick with a winning pedigree can't hurt either.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is more than established as the Baltimore Ravens ' franchise quarterback, but the 29-year-old is only under contract through 2027. The Ravens need to get him signed to an extension, but until they do, Baltimore has to continue evaluating the position. The Ravens only have Tyler Huntley , Skylar Thompson, and a pair of undrafted rookies in Diego Pavia plus Joe Fagnano. There's not a future starter at the position, and hopefully, the Ravens won't need one, but considering Jackson has only played in 17 games once in his eight-year career, it wouldn't hurt to have more potential high-end depth at QB.

Los Angeles Chargers

Unlike many other teams on this list, the Los Angeles Chargers already have their franchise quarterback, and there's never been any drama with Justin Herbert . Yet, the Chargers still make sense as a landing spot because the rest of their QB depth chart is quite unproven, with Trey Lance and 2025 UDFA DJ Uiagalelei . Plus, it helps that Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was also McCarthy's head coach at Michigan when they won the College Football National Championship together.

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