J.J. McCarthy breaks silence after losing Vikings role as rumors of reunion with former coach swirl

Kyler Murray has been named starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, in a decision that plenty saw coming.

The former Arizona Cardinals franchise star was heavy favorite to take the role over J.J. McCarthy, who he’s been battling in training camp.

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Ever since he signed a veteran minimum contract in March after his release from Arizona — who will pay him a massive $35.5m in 2026 despite his departure — McCarthy’s role has been under threat.

The talent former No. 1 pick Murray has been able to showcase in practice has simply been a level above, and he will have a chance to bounce back from an injury-hit 2025 campaign as Minnesota’s starter.

McCarthy, meanwhile, will be pushed to the backup quarterback role after 10 career starts since arriving as a first-round pick (No. 10 overall) in 2024.

J.J. McCarthy breaks silence on losing Vikings QB battle

Naturally, developments in Minnesota have led to some questioning his future with the team.

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McCarthy, though, remains fully focused on doing his best for the Vikings, regardless of his role in 2026.

“Obviously, every competitor wants to play,” he said of losing the battle to Murray.

“But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”

His desire is to remain with the Vikings, despite the setback.

“This is the place I want to be,” McCarthy added.

“And I love every single person in this building. I love the state. I love the fanbase.

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“I’m going to continue to just do whatever I can for this team and this organization.”

McCarthy, to his credit, has come out and said the right things.

But his name will no doubt be floated as part of trade discussions, and one interesting destination has already been suggested.

J.J. McCarthy tipped for reunion with former college coach

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff believes the inexperienced QB could be traded within weeks, and reunite with his former college coach, Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh, who has been head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers since 2024, led Michigan to the National Championship in 2023 with McCarthy under center.

“The first spot I think everyone thinks about, when it comes to him, is the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh,” Middlekauff told his 3 and Out podcast.

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“He clearly talked him up coming out of the draft, won a National Championship with him. Could they get J.J. McCarthy for a late round pick, and try to rehab his value?”

Middlekauff added that the Detroit Lions could be another potential destination, but that trading within the decision could be ‘tricky’ — even though the Lions recently lost their backup Teddy Bridgewater.

He also mentioned the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans could potentially hold interest, if only to have McCarthy in a backup role, or to run scout team.

“If I’m a betting man, right now, J.J. McCarthy is traded over the course of the next three weeks,” Middlekauff concluded.