Vikings tipped to turn to unwanted $230 million quarterback as JJ McCarthy experiment takes fresh blow

Feb 14, 2026 - 09:45

The win-now clock in Minnesota isn’t just ticking; it’s deafening.

Following a 2025 campaign that saw the Vikings miss the postseason and the subsequent firing of General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy #9 speak on the sideline prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field — McCarthy is not guaranteed to be QB1 come next year

Now, with the J.J. McCarthy experiment not looking as promising as it once did, the Vikings are being tipped to make a blockbuster move for one of the league’s most polarizing talents: Kyler Murray.

The smoke surrounding a potential trade with the Arizona Cardinals has subtly grown from a quiet hush to a healthy chatter. Rumors intensified during Super Bowl week that the Vikings are looking to take a big swing on a veteran starter.

What about a direct swap that would send McCarthy to the desert in exchange for Arizona’s $230.5 million man?

When the Vikings drafted McCarthy No. 10 overall in 2024, he was hailed as the handpicked successor to Kirk Cousins. But the “Michigan Man” experiment has been defined more by the training table than the end zone.

McCarthy’s 2025 season was a revolving door of setbacks.

After missing his entire rookie year with a meniscus tear, his sophomore campaign was derailed by a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and most recently, a hairline fracture in his throwing hand that sidelined him during the critical December stretch.

When he did play, the results were middling: 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

With Adofo-Mensah gone and head coach Kevin O’Connell under immense pressure to deliver in 2026, the patience for McCarthy’s development appears to have evaporated.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert recently reported that “all bets are off” regarding the young QB’s future in Minnesota, suggesting the team is no longer married to the idea of McCarthy as the undisputed starter.

Meanwhile, Murray is currently the most expensive unwanted asset in the NFL.

Kyler Muray scrambling with the ball on his right hand — Murray is still one of the best athletes in the entire NFL

J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown by pumping his arms — McCarthy’s future as the starter in Minnesota seems undecided

Despite signing a massive five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022, Murray’s stock in Arizona has cratered. The Cardinals, now under a new regime led by Mike LaFleur, are widely expected to move on from Murray before his $19.5 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed on March 15.

For Minnesota, Murray represents the ultimate high-risk, high-reward gamble.

On one hand, you have a two-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year who, when healthy, is a nightmare for defensive coordinators. The prospect of Murray throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is enough to make any offensive coach salivate.

On the other hand, Murray’s contract still looms large.

While much of the guaranteed money has been paid, any team acquiring Murray would be absorbing a cap hit of roughly $36.8 million for 2026.

Critics also point to Murray’s own injury history, having missed 21 games over the last three seasons, as a reason for the Vikings to stay away. Is replacing an injury-prone young QB with an injury-prone expensive veteran really progress?

Kyler Murray warming up before a game — Murray is still owed a lot of money on his current contract

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The logistics of the move are complicated.

Reports from SKOR North suggest Murray “would be interested” in playing for O’Connell, whose reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” was only bolstered by Sam Darnold’s recent resurgence.

However, the Cardinals aren’t likely to give Murray away for free. They may seek a second, or third round pick, or potentially McCarthy himself.

For the Vikings, the decision comes down to one question: Can they afford to wait for McCarthy to grow up, or do they pay the hefty price tag to save the O’Connell era?

With the league year set to open in mid-March, Minnesota’s decision at quarterback will be just the beginning.

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