The Vikings named Kyler Murray their Week 1 starter on Tuesday, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, ending any real competition before a single preseason snap was played. That decision has cast McCarthy's future in Minnesota into serious doubt.
Chargers
The connection runs through Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy at Michigan during the Wolverines' 2023 national championship run and has never hidden his admiration for him.
"I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft," Harbaugh said of McCarthy before the 2024 draft. "He's incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won't matter."
J.J. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to injury and started just ten games last year, with Minnesota winning six of them. Now the still only 23-year-old will be forced to be a backup https://t.co/Sw8qAMuBrL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2026
The Chargers currently have Trey Lance as their backup behind Justin Herbert, and a trade for McCarthy could either bump Lance down the depth chart or off the roster entirely.
The financial equation makes a move easy to consider too. McCarthy is owed just $1.075 million this season and $3.775 million next year after receiving a $1.7 million roster bonus, a minimal price for a team simply looking to stash a former first-rounder as insurance behind an established starter.
Where Else He Could Land
The Chargers aren't the only team being floated. The Indianapolis Colts have surfaced as a fit given the uncertain long-term outlook behind Anthony Richardson, and Charles Walter of the Pioneer Press has connected both the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers as teams that could let McCarthy sit and develop without an immediate quarterback controversy.
J.J. McCarthy: “Look, a decision was made that was out of my control. Obviously, every competitor wants to play. But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and staying ready for when my number’s called.”
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 12, 2026
An anonymous NFL scout went further Wednesday, suggesting Minnesota might be willing to move McCarthy for as little as a late-round pick given how the depth chart has shaken out.
McCarthy has publicly said he doesn't want to be traded, telling reporters as much when OTAs started. He's also been candid about the awkwardness of a potential backup role, noting in June that he doesn't have much of an existing relationship with Murray in the quarterback room.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, appeared in 10 games last season and went 6-4 as a starter, but completed just 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, numbers that fell well short of expectations after his college success. He remains under contract through 2027 with a fifth-year option for 2028, giving Minnesota no urgency to move him if the return isn't right.
With the preseason now serving as an unofficial showcase, how McCarthy performs over the next few weeks could determine whether the Chargers or another suitor actually calls.
