Vikings retain QB J.J. McCarthy amid contract and roster considerations
Minnesota kept quarterback J.J. McCarthy on its 53-man roster, citing financial implications of his contract and his standing in the locker room, despite competition from Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.
Minnesota announced that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will remain on its 53-man roster for the upcoming season. The decision is influenced by a collective bargaining agreement rule that would require the team to honor $4.85 million in guaranteed money if he were released, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer.
"We have no intention of losing McCarthy for nothing," Pelissero said, adding that the quarterback is well-liked in the locker room and posted a 6-4 record as a starter.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, missed his rookie year with a knee injury and started ten games in 2025, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and adding 181 rushing yards with four scores. The Vikings later signed former Arizona Cardinals starter Kyler Murray, who subsequently secured the starting role, while veteran Carson Wentz serves as the backup.
Speculation arose that the team might trade or cut McCarthy before the season, a notion highlighted by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on SportsCenter. However, the Vikings retained three quarterbacks on the active roster and placed Max Brosmer on the practice squad, leaving open the possibility that McCarthy could begin the season as the third-string quarterback.
The move suggests Minnesota may evaluate future options for McCarthy, whose contract runs through the 2027 season.