Vikings Rumor Mill Chatter: J.J. McCarthy, Jonathan Greenard, Christian Darrisaw

The first wave of draft-related Vikings rumors touches on quarterback, edge rusher, and left tackle

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are facing several key decisions, including the potential trade of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the pursuit of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, and the recovery of left tackle Christian Darrisaw from an ACL injury. The Vikings are also reportedly considering moving up in the draft to target players like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

Why it matters

The Vikings' roster moves and draft strategy will have a significant impact on their competitiveness in the 2026 season and beyond. Decisions around the quarterback position, pass rush, and offensive line will be crucial as the team looks to build around new starting QB Kyler Murray and return to the playoffs.

The details

The Vikings are reportedly considering trading 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to the Los Angeles Rams, potentially in a deal that would see the Vikings move up from 18th to 13th overall in the draft. The team may also pursue a trade for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, potentially sending him to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the 9th overall pick. Meanwhile, head coach Kevin O'Connell has provided an update on left tackle Christian Darrisaw's recovery from an ACL injury, indicating he is on schedule but the team will take a cautious approach to ensure he is fully healthy for the 2026 season.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is 12 days away.
  • Darrisaw suffered the ACL injury during the 2025 season.

The players

J.J. McCarthy

A 23-year-old quarterback who was the Vikings' first-round pick in 2024. He started the final four games of the 2025 season and could be traded to the Los Angeles Rams.

Jonathan Greenard

A 25-year-old edge rusher who has been a starter for the Vikings the past two seasons. The team may trade him to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Christian Darrisaw

The Vikings' starting left tackle, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered during the 2025 season. The team is taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully healthy for 2026.

Kyler Murray

The Vikings' new starting quarterback, who they signed as a free agent for the 2026 season.

Brian Flores

The Vikings' defensive coordinator, who could help the team target defensive backs like Caleb Downs or Mansoor Delane in the draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Getting something for the 23-year-old quarterback would make sense if the organization has decided it is going to be heading in a different direction. This move up would get the Vikes ahead of the Bucs and Jets if they want to look toward secondary help in Round 1.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

“I do believe we're at that point now. He's having a really good offseason. And what that looks like, what his daily practice schedule and plan looks like, we're going to do what we think is best to get Christian ready to play 17 games and feel at his absolute best to do so.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

What’s next

The Vikings will have to decide in the coming days whether to trade J.J. McCarthy and/or Jonathan Greenard, as well as monitor Christian Darrisaw's recovery ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Vikings are facing several key roster decisions as they look to build a contending team around new QB Kyler Murray. Their ability to effectively manage the quarterback position, pass rush, and offensive line will be critical to their success in 2026 and beyond.