JJ McCarthy’s rookie season in Minnesota was never meant to be. The Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback missed his entire rookie year as he recovered from knee surgery.
The Vikings traded up to snag McCarthy with the No. 10 selection in the 2024 draft, and he was supposed to be the quarterback of the future.
He was set to compete with free agent signing Sam Darnold for the starting quarterback job, but his injury changed everything for him and the team’s direction.
Instead, Darnold put together a career year in Minnesota, leading them to 14 wins and a playoff appearance.
Darnold playing lights out means he has likely earned a new deal, but it may also mean JJ McCarthy might have to sit longer before he can play.
There is another option.
A new report says several NFL scouts believe McCarthy would reportedly “rank” as the No.1 QB in the 2025 NFL Draft, over Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.
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Because of that, the young quarterback is viewed as a “potential trade target” this offseason.
Three teams have been mentioned as possible trade suitors: the Browns, Giants, and Raiders are said to all reportedly have “significant interest” in JJ McCarthy if he becomes available.
For a trade to happen, it would reportedly require a Top-10 if not Top-5 pick in the NFL Draft.
JJ McCarthy would reportedly “rank” as the No.1 QB in the 2025 NFL Draft, over Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward according to several NFL scouts.
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 8, 2025
McCarthy is reportedly a “potential trade target” this offseason, pending on the Vikings playoff performance.
With teams such as the… pic.twitter.com/gHP3lDS4Hq
JJ McCarthy’s Future Likely Depends On How far Minnesota Goes In The Playoffs
The top two consensus quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft are Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
Last year’s pick, JJ McCarthy, is also gaining steam, after he was forced to miss his entire rookie year.
The Vikings selected McCarthy as the No. 10 overall pick in last year’s draft, with the idea being that he would be the quarterback of the future.
But with Sam Darnold playing at a Pro Bowl level and leading Minnesota to a 14-3 record, a long playoff could further put McCarthy on the bench for years to come.
That could likely lead to the Vikings trading him.
Also Read: PHOTOS: JJ McCarthy’s Fiancée Had Her Legs On Full Display In Short-Shorts During Vikings-Lions Game
