J.J. McCarthy's Dynasty Fantasy Football Value After Being Named Backup QB: Is It Time to Move on?

J.J. McCarthy Dynasty owner were dealt a blow after the former first-round pick was named backup QB, but is it time to cut ties with the 2024 10th overall pick?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The J.J. McCarthy era looks to be over in Minnesota after Kyler Murray recently won the starting quarterback job.

The move to a backup role makes McCarthy unusable in redraft leagues this season, but is it time to cut McCarthy in Dynasty leagues?

McCarthy’s Dynasty Value

McCarthy essentially has no value after being relegated to the backup role.

The 10th-overall pick in the 2024 draft came into one of the best scenarios for any of the rookie quarterbacks.

All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J Hockenson were the supporting cast for the rookie, before a torn meniscus ended the rookie’s season. McCarthy also had a QB-whispering head coach in Kevin O’Connell, who spearheaded a strong Fantasy season from Kirk Cousins in Minnesota. 

Sam Darnold stepped in and had a monster season, leaving McCathy dynasty owners excited for when the 10th-overall pick would step in under center.

Fast-forward through McCarthy’s second season, injuries and inefficent play left the Michigan product without a starting role in his third season.

In what started as an exciting prospect for McCarthy in a loaded 2024 QB class ended with McCarthy playing in only 10 games over two seasons, 1,632 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

As quickly as McCarthy hyped up Dynasty owners after his preseason debut, it quickly ended as the former first-round pick no longer has any Dynasty value. 

J.J McCarthy may have had THE best rookie QB debut.
This breakdown will be fun….dude can play. pic.twitter.com/Kdu4k08o77

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 10, 2024

Is McCarthy worth a Dynasty roster spot?

McCarthy may be worth a roster spot, despite his lost value, depending on what your Dynasty outlook is.

For tanking teams, embrace the tank and have McCarthy ride the pine as your backup or third-string QB.

Trading McCarthy is essentially impossible to do because of the former first-round pick’s lack of play and would require a package to offload McCarthy, so it makes more sense to keep him on a tanking roster.

Keeping McCarthy could be worthwhile on the off chance McCarthy steps in as a starter and performs adequately. This would be the best scenario for tanking teams as McCarthy would be trade viable and receive some assets ahead of a loaded 2027 draft, instead of rotting away on the bench.

Tanking teams can also cut McCarthy at any point if an intriguing player is on the waiver wire.

For contending teams, McCarthy isn’t worth a roster spot and should be cut if still on a contending team’s roster. 

There are a multitude of players still available in the majority of Dynasty leagues, who can provide an immediate impact for contending teams. 

For contending teams who need a wide receiver, Cyrus Allen, who has turned heads at Chiefs training camp, will provide an immediate impact this season and down the road. CJ Daniels can be a sneaky option if Puka Nacua misses extended time and Malik Benson might be worth a look if he continues to get starter reps.

MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and Greg Dulcich are other potential waiver wire acquisitions to pick up in a corresponding move after cutting McCarthy.