The Minnesota Vikings’ star player J.J. McCarthy has been a regular name concerning trade rumors ever since the team signed Kyler Murray, ahead of the new season. While J.J. McCarthy has expressed his desire to stay in the Minnesota Vikings long term, it seems the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as potential landing spots.
Which teams are interested in J.J. McCarthy?
Ever since the Minnesota Vikings signed veteran Kyler Murray, a number of teams have been linked to J.J. McCarthy.As per NFL insiders, it seems the New York Jets, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Chargers could be eyeing him ahead of the new season.
What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?
In a recent report, Cooper Kleinberg of PFSN noted, “After missing his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus and missing another seven games in 2025, McCarthy hasn’t had a fair opportunity to adjust to the true speed of the NFL. Sitting behind a veteran like Murray this season would do the third-year quarterback no favors either.”NFL insider Cooper Kleinberg of PFSN added, “The Vikings re-signed veteran Carson Wentz this offseason, seemingly to serve as the third-string quarterback behind Murray and McCarthy. However, as time goes on, McCarthy appears increasingly expendable, and the Vikings may look to cut ties ahead of Week 1. Potential Landing Spots: Jets, Bengals, Chargers.”
Contract details and salary cap implications
The Minnesota Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy is in the fourth year of his $21.85 guaranteed contract with the team which ends through the 2027 season.For the Minnesota Vikings, trading J.J. McCarthy clears off $2.78 million cash salary from the team’s books but the team will be hit with a $6.35 million dead cap.
How will the trade affect the teams?
For the Cincinnati Bengals, trading for J.J. McCarthy remains affordable since he could be a potential back up in case Joe Burrow is again injured after his brutal injury in the last season.For the New York Jets, J.J. McCarthy remains affordable and he could be an impactful and a low risk option for the team in the new season.
