Analyst Predicts J.J. McCarthy's Days With Vikings Are Numbered After Recent Moves

Minnesota has a lot of different options at quarterback heading into 2026-27.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:05pm

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The Vikings' decision to sign Kyler Murray in free agency and bring back Carson Wentz on a $3 million deal has put J.J. McCarthy's future as the team's long-term quarterback option in serious doubt, according to former NFL QB turned-analyst Chase Daniel. Daniel suggests a reunion between McCarthy and his former head coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh, with the Los Angeles Chargers could make sense as a potential trade partner if Minnesota does move on from its young QB.

Why it matters

The Vikings' quarterback situation is in flux, with the team adding veteran options in Murray and Wentz, which could push McCarthy out the door. This raises questions about Minnesota's long-term plans at the position and whether they will look to the draft to find their next young signal caller.

The details

The Vikings' decision to sign Kyler Murray in free agency immediately put J.J. McCarthy's future as the team's long-term option at quarterback seriously in doubt. Bringing back Carson Wentz on a $3 million deal could put even more pressure on Minnesota's young QB. Analyst Chase Daniel pointed out that Wentz's $3 million cap hit is well above the average compensation for a QB3, suggesting the Vikings aren't giving him that money to be a backup.

  • On March 21, 2026, the Vikings signed Carson Wentz to a $3 million deal.

The players

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings' young quarterback whose future with the team is in doubt after the team's recent moves.

Kyler Murray

The veteran quarterback the Vikings signed in free agency, which immediately put McCarthy's future in question.

Carson Wentz

The veteran quarterback the Vikings re-signed to a $3 million deal, which could further threaten McCarthy's standing with the team.

Chase Daniel

The former NFL quarterback turned-analyst who discussed the Vikings' quarterback situation and suggested a potential trade partner for McCarthy.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach at Michigan, where McCarthy played, who could be a potential trade partner with the Los Angeles Chargers if the Vikings move on from McCarthy.

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What they’re saying

“Vikings aren't giving Carson Wentz $3M to be a QB3... This will be really interesting to watch unfold through the draft.”

— Chase Daniel, Former NFL QB turned-analyst

“The second Kyler signed with [Kevin O'Connell]... J.J is done there. They're not giving J.J. a chance to win it. It would surprise me, very much so— you don't sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy's days with the Vikings are done.”

— Chase Daniel, Former NFL QB turned-analyst

“That's why I think you have to entertain Ty Simpson. You're not sure what Kyle is going to do; it's a one-year deal. If Ty can go to KOC... with that offense. C'mon, man.”

— Chase Daniel, Former NFL QB turned-analyst

What’s next

If the Vikings trade McCarthy, they would have just two veteran QBs on one-year deals on the roster, which would seemingly put them in the market for a new young signal caller in next month's NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Vikings' quarterback situation is in flux, with the team adding veteran options in Murray and Wentz, which could push out the young McCarthy. This raises questions about Minnesota's long-term plans at the position and whether they will look to the draft to find their next young signal caller.