J.J. McCarthy Trade Buzz: Vikings, Jets in QB Talks

0:00On April 2nd, Pro Football Network is stirring up trade buzz around Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 23-year-old third-year. Pro, their latest pitch sends him to the New York Jets for a 2026 second-round pick at number 44 overall, plus the Vikings cough up. Their own third-rounder at number 97. It's all hypothetical, but it tests Minnesota's commitment now that Kyler Murray is their guy. The Jets see McCarthy as a hungry backup with starter upside over Gino Smith, whose older and injury prone. New York had focused draft picks elsewhere, while giving McCarthy a shot to compete, backed by a solid offensive line ranked 19th last season, right behind Minnesota's 18th spot. Fans and analysts are split on the Viking side. Minnesota's past drafts under former GM Quasie, Adafo Mensa, hit only about 15 to 20 percent, leaving them with one of the league's oldest. Roasters. Grabbing the second-rounder from McCarthy, who's yet to pan out like some peers, would stockpile picks if Murray locks down the long-term role.

1:04PFN floated other ideas too, like Cleveland offering a 2026 third and fifth for insurance behind the Sean Watson, or Arizona swapping. McCarthy for a third and fifth, and a straight QB flip with Murray already in town. The Jets weapon shine though, with Breeze Hall, Garrett Wilson, and more, plus a defense they're beefing up under coach Aaron Glinn. Vikings hold three years of control on McCarthy's rookie deal, so no rush to deal unless the price hits right. This rumor mill keeps spinning as draft season nears. From around the league, powered by AI, this is NFL news today. I'm Corey with the story.