Jets Linked to Trade for Former First Round QB to Compete for Starting Role

The Jets are reportedly interested in acquiring Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy to challenge Geno Smith for the starting job.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:39am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives, representing the complex quarterback situation facing the New York Jets.A cubist interpretation of the Jets' ongoing quarterback conundrum, as they consider trading for a young signal-caller to challenge their veteran starter.NYC Today

The New York Jets have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback in recent years, with failed experiments like Zach Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Justin Fields. Now, the team is reportedly interested in trading for Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, a former first-round pick, to compete with veteran Geno Smith for the starting role in 2026.

Why it matters

The Jets have been searching for their franchise quarterback for decades, and their inability to develop a consistent starter at the position has been a major roadblock in their rebuilding efforts. Acquiring McCarthy could give them a young, talented option to potentially solve their QB woes, but it would also be a risky move that could backfire if he is unable to beat out the inconsistent Smith.

The details

The Jets are reportedly considering trading for 23-year-old Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, who struggled in his first year as a starter in 2025. McCarthy was a first-round pick in 2022, but the Vikings may be willing to move on from him if the right offer comes along. The Jets currently have Geno Smith penciled in as their starting QB for 2026, but he is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons in the NFL. Acquiring McCarthy would give the Jets a young option to potentially challenge Smith for the starting job and provide a long-term solution at the position.

  • The Jets are expected to make a decision on whether to pursue a trade for McCarthy ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Geno Smith

The veteran quarterback who is currently the Jets' presumed starting QB for the 2026 season, though he is coming off a poor statistical year.

J.J. McCarthy

The 23-year-old Vikings quarterback who struggled in his first year as a starter in 2025 and could be available via trade.

Zach Wilson

The former Jets first-round pick who failed to live up to expectations and is now a backup in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback the Jets signed in 2023, but he suffered a season-ending injury in the first game and struggled the following year.

Justin Fields

The quarterback the Jets traded for last season, but he had a poor year as the starter and the team finished with a 3-14 record.

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What they’re saying

“Will McCarthy ever be a viable NFL starter? That remains unclear. With at least two years left on his rookie deal, a quarterback-needy team might still consider offering a second-round pick to the Vikings for the 23-year-old, even if that level of investment would be risky and could backfire—as many aggressive QB swings have for struggling franchises.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report

What’s next

The Jets will need to evaluate whether trading for McCarthy is worth the risk, especially with Geno Smith already penciled in as the starting QB for 2026. They will likely make a decision on pursuing a trade ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Jets' ongoing quarterback woes have been a major obstacle in their rebuilding efforts, and acquiring McCarthy could be a high-risk, high-reward move to potentially solve their long-standing issue at the position. However, the team will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of trading for the young Vikings QB and whether he represents a better long-term option than the inconsistent Geno Smith.