Former Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy is still on the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster, despite predictions that he would get cut on Sunday.
NFL teams had until 6 p.m. EST to submit their final 53-man rosters for cutdown day. As it stands, the Vikings are carrying four quarterbacks on their roster, which means that there is still a strong chance that J.J. McCarthy could be traded.
Despite any speculation that he could be released or traded, Minnesota QB J.J. McCarthy finished cutdown day on the Vikings’ 53-man roster. pic.twitter.com/gtyecBT1ce
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026
There are plenty of teams in the NFL that could use a developmental quarterback. McCarthy posted a 6-4 record as a starter in 10 games last season, but averaged under 200 yards passing, and completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes.
It was his first season as a starter. The Michigan football quarterback who won a national championship, and twice led the Wolverines to an undefeated regular season, was injured during his rookie season in 2024, and battled injuries throughout his first season as a starter.
There were some good moments, too. Beyond the winning record as a starting quarterback, McCarthy accounted for three total touchdowns in four of his 10 starts. Minnesota's offensive line also left a lot to be desired.
J.J. McCarthy could still be on the move from the Minnesota Vikings
Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer are still on the roster. Wentz feels like he would be the backup, or is the preferred backup of the Vikings right now.
McCarthy was drafted in the top 10, so maybe Minnesota doesn't want to give up on him yet, or maybe the Vikings don't want to trade him without getting value in return.
People have offered the Chargers as a landing spot, but San Diego has an established starter. Detroit makes a ton of sense. McCarthy could learn under Jared Goff, who was traded from the Rams after being the former No. 1 pick. He's established, too, but Detroit could use another QB behind him,
McCarthy could give the Lions a potential option to start down the road, if he can improve, but it's hard to see the Vikings trading him to a team within the division. The Steelers could use a young quarteback, because no, Will Howard will never be their starting QB.
The Giants could be another team or maybe the Browns or even the Cardinals could make sense. A team like San Francisco. Look at how a season with the 49ers helped Sam Darnold turn things around. Even if there isn't a chance to play, maybe being a backup in a place like Kansas City, where there isn't any pressure, could reset the career of J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy will need to improve, but it feels like keeping him in Minnesota is the wrong decision for him, and the Vikings.
Add us as a preferred source on Google