Ranking the Most Realistic J.J. McCarthy Trade Destinations

If they are not “forced,” the Minnesota Vikings probably won’t trade J.J. McCarthy because quarterback depth is so important to the franchise. But if McCarthy expresses discontent sometime this summer, new general manager Nolan Teasley — who has no allegiance to McCarthy — may have no choice.

With that in mind, these are the most likely landing spots, assuming Kyler Murray wins the QB1 job in August and McCarthy wants out.

The destinations are listed in ascending order of likelihood (No. 1 = most likely trade partner).

Arizona Tops the List for a Hypothetical McCarthy Pivot

J.J. McCarthy gives the ball to Aaron Jones during a game against the Atlanta Falcons. J.J. McCarthy trade destinations — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hands the football to running back Aaron Jones Sr. during a home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings emphasized offensive balance while building momentum early in the season. Captured on Sep. 14, 2025, the play highlights Minnesota’s backfield partnership in action. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

While Jalen Hurts is not a bad quarterback — he’s pretty awesome, in fact — his stock feels like it’s at an all-time low, as onlookers wonder if he has the stomach for a pass-happy offense. As Hurts ages, his legs won’t be quite as much of an option. Ask Cam Newton.

The Eagles also don’t seem totally enamored with Hurts — compared to a year or two ago — so if McCarthy became available, they could pounce and make him the QB behind Hurts. Andy Dalton is the current QB2, but McCarthy is 15 years his junior.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers made the cut for one reason: what if Tampa Bay’s brass already knows that it will not pay Baker Mayfield $50 million or $60 million per season? Mayfield appears to be at odds with the Buccaneers’ front office, and if that holds, he’d hit free agency next March.

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht could fire off a 4th-Round pick to Minnesota for McCarthy.

6. Miami Dolphins

Malik Willis is the proposed solution for Miami in 2026, with the team led by former Green Packers personalities Jon-Eric Sullivan (general manager) and Jeff Hafley (head coach). Willis may work out just fine for the Dolphins. But what if his success in Green Bay was a small-sample mirage? McCarthy, as an option going forward, could check some boxes, paired with Quinn Ewers in the Dolphins’ quarterback room behind Willis.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers has vowed to play one more year — and then that’s it. After him on the depth chart are Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar. Why not send a mid-round pick to Minnesota to make it a three-horse race of youngsters when Rodgers walks away?

Mike McCarthy — a bit of a quarterback whisperer — can help J.J. McCarthy feast with the proper mentorship, The McCarthies.

Daily Norseman‘s Warren Ludford wrote this week, “The Steelers come to mind in that regard. Aaron Rodgers is 43 and will retire after this season. They have Mason Rudolph (31) and Will Howard on their roster. Adding McCarthy could give them a better spot starter this year if Rodgers is injured and he could win the starting job next year, benefitting from a year learning from the future Hall of Famer.”

“If the Steelers view themselves as a playoff team this year, that means they won’t be in a good position to draft a top quarterback in next year’s draft either. Spending a third-round pick on McCarthy makes a lot of sense in that situation.”

4. New York Jets

Geno Smith won’t last long in New York, and Cade Klubnik is New York’s stab at a rookie passer from April’s draft. McCarthy has a more complete toolkit than Klubnik, and that’s not a bold take.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik throws a pass during the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State. J.J. McCarthy trade destinations — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik delivers a pass during the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State at Yankee Stadium. Klubnik entered the postseason as one of college football’s most recognizable signal-callers, leading Clemson through another successful campaign. Photographed on Dec. 27, 2025, the play showcases his pocket presence and arm talent on a national stage. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

If McCarthy becomes available via trade, the Jets should trade for him, giving him a chance to cook with Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Kenyon Sadiq.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Harbaugh Angle.

McCarthy has 2-3 years left on his rookie contract. If he decides to be done with Minnesota, he should reunite with Harbaugh for two seasons of tender, love, and care with the college coach — and be one snap away from the action if Justin Herbert misses time.

Harbaugh and McCarthy won a championship in college. They could join forces again. Harbaugh absolutely loves McCarthy.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones turned in a handful of sweet games for the Colts last year before tearing his Achilles. He’s evidently tracking to be ready for Week 1, but sometimes, players just don’t heal right from a busted Achilles.

The Colts will do anything to solve their post-Andrew-Luck quarterback conundrum, including swinging a deal for McCarthy if it came down to it.

1. Arizona Cardinals

This team is in quarterback hell, making the decision to drop Kyler Murray even more flummoxing. The Cardinals will showcase three quarterbacks this summer: Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck, and Gardner Minshew. Beck is the only one with long-term QB1 upside. Brissett and Minshew are backups. Period.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. J.J. McCarthy trade destinations — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett drops back to throw during a road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The veteran passer relied on his experience while directing Arizona’s offense throughout the contest. Captured on Nov. 30, 2025, the image reflects Brissett’s continued role as a dependable NFL quarterback. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.

Unless the Cardinals tank — does general manager Monti Ossenfort really have the clout to do that? — they should trade for McCarthy if he’s available and let him rip as the QB1 in 2026.

It’s a better solution than letting Brissett dog-walk you with a contractual holdout.