JJ McCarthy's Trade Rumors Take Flight: Could He Find Any Sort of Fantasy Viability?

JJ McCarthy's Vikings career is in flux as the season approaches. The starting job was awarded to Kyler Murray and approaching preseason Week 3, there is real consideration that McCarthy will fall behind Carson Wentz as the teams QB3. If that becomes true, it must be discussed as to whether the Vikings trade away their former first round draft pick.

Fantasy Football Impact

A world where McCarthy would get dealt is a world where a teams quarterback got injured. The team would have to be desperate. They would be willing to test the ability of McCarthy. That team would surely be in a rebuild.

In any world where McCarthy were dealt, he would have zero viability in fantasy football. I will be the first to say that NFL fans have been a bit harsher on McCarthy than he deserves. Last season was bad, but I've seen far worse.

McCarthys' 2025 season featured 5 games that went for 243 yards per game (65% completion percentage) on 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

If any value were available, it would have to be as a super longshot dynasty stash. Where would McCarthy best fit to command such a valuation? Here are a few landing spots.

Los Angeles Chargers

Just maybe Jim Harbaugh would bring in his former Michigan quarterback to compete with Trey Lance. The career of Lance has been equally as bad. The teams third-stringer is DJ Uiagalelei, and he is nothing to rave about after an abysmal post-Clemson college career.

McCarthy could not ask for a better situation, truth be honest. He can play for the one man that brought him excellence and do so by learning behind Justin Herbert. Nonetheless, he would not see the field unless Herbert got hurt.

Indianapolis Colts

As the Vikings do not trust McCarthy, the Colts do not seem to wish to maintain any ties with Anthony Richardson. A one-for-one deal would not surprise many fans. Shane Steichen would be a great fit to try and breed success out of McCarthy. He has done it with Daniel Jones, Jalen Hurts, and, in 2020, a one-year stint with Justin Herbert.

Any other rumors are with little-to-no credibility.

Many lower-end NFL teams will have their fans reporting that they suggest a deal. The Jets, Browns, and Cardinals have been featured in those conversations. Until any true reporting hits with any credibility emerges, it is not worth weighing McCarthy's value in such a situation.

As of today, McCarthy's value is zero. If he is owned in dynasty fantasy football, drop him. During the final two weeks of preseason football, there are endless higher-upside options to add. E.g., Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Mike Washington Jr., Cyrus Allen, and Malachi Fields, to name a few.

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