J.J. McCarthy joins a small group of first-round quarterbacks who made quick exits
nbcsports.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Minnesota Vikings have decided to move on from first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy after he made only 10 starts in over two seasons, trading him for a fifth-round pick.
- McCarthy joins a rare group of first-round quarterbacks in the last 25 years who started 10 or fewer games for their drafting teams, including Paxton Lynch, Trey Lance, and Johnny Manziel.
- Despite winning six of his 10 starts, McCarthy fell to third on the Vikings' depth chart, prompting the team to cut ties rather than keep him through the 2026 season.
- The Vikings hope McCarthy does not develop into a successful quarterback elsewhere, as that would highlight their failed investment and decision to move on from him.
