Vikings Keep QB J.J. McCarthy On 53-Man Roster After Trade, Release Speculation

J.J. McCarthy's time with the Minnesota Vikings will live to see another day. 

The third-year quarterback has made the Vikings' 53-man roster on cutdown day, ESPN first reported on Sunday. There had been speculation in recent days that McCarthy might be moved, either via trade or release. 

McCarthy opened training camp by competing with Kyler Murray for the starting quarterback job. However, Murray was named the starting quarterback before Minnesota's preseason opener and McCarthy found himself battling with Carson Wentz for the backup job. It's unclear who the Vikings' backup quarterback will be after McCarthy missed the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos with an ankle injury. 

After missing his rookie season with a meniscus tear, McCarthy underwhelmed in his first season as a starter in 2025. He completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards to go with 15 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Minnesota went 6-4 in the 10 games McCarthy started, as he missed time due to ankle and hand injuries, along with a concussion. 

Still, McCarthy seems to have his work cut out for him to remain in Minnesota. The general manager who used the 10th overall pick to select him is no longer there, as the team hired Nolan Teasley to replace Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Sam Darnold, who was the Vikings' starting quarterback prior to McCarthy, also led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl last season, only increasing the pressure for head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings to succeed in 2026.