The Minnesota Vikings are ready to move on from JJ McCarthy, at least as their starting quarterback in 2026 after naming Kyler Murray to the lead role on Tuesday, August 11, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. With the ball now in McCarthy’s court, talk has already begun about whether he will push for a trade out of Minnesota and whether the Vikings will acquiesce if he does. Earlier this offseason, when the training camp battle for QB1 remained wide open, McCarthy spoke adamantly about wanting to remain with the Vikings for his third NFL campaign in 2026 and beyond. I love this organization, I love the coaching staff, I absolutely love these players to death. But the Vikings have no call to rush McCarthy’s exit, and shouldn’t unless he raises hell and turns the locker room toxic, which would arguably just hurt all parties involved more than help any of them.