NFL Analyst Predicts J.J. McCarthy Potentially Being Cut From Vikings Roster Amid QB2 Battle

The Minnesota Vikings have made one of the most important decisions for the organization, as the franchise’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, announced Kyler Murray as the Week 1 starting quarterback, thus leaving J.J. McCarthy in an uncertain position.

Although the quarterback has lost the starting job to Murray, the head coach insisted that McCarthy still has a future in Minnesota, and the organization looks forward to working with him.

In a recent episode of Pro Football Talk, analyst Mike Florio shared his thoughts, as he believes that McCarthy might be cut from the Vikings’ roster, and said:

“Two weeks ago, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy lost the starting job to Kyler Murray.
\nNow, McCarthy could be on the verge of losing the backup job to Carson Wentz.The two split reps at practice for the second team on Tuesday.And the Vikings have to ultimately fill out the depth chart. Coach Kevin O’Connell has left the door open to the possibility of the backup quarterback job being available to either guy.And if McCarthy should somehow fail to be QB2, with the roster cuts coming, it’s possible that McCarthy won’t be a Viking come next Monday. Whether it’s because he’s traded or whether because they decided to just eat the remainder of his guaranteed salary through 2027 and release him.”

If J.J. McCarthy loses the QB2 spot to Carson Wentz, will McCarthy be on the team after the roster reduces to 53? pic.twitter.com/vdL7Z7EGM5

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 26, 2026

He also wrote:

“Ultimately, the Vikings may have to simply waive McCarthy.” “However it plays out, it’s not looking good for McCarthy in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see whether and to what extent McCarthy plays in the preseason finale against the [Denver] Broncos.”

The former Michigan star quarterback is heading into the third year of his NFL career, having already lost the starting position. McCarthy was drafted No. 10 overall in 2024. He missed his entire rookie season due to an injury.

The latest development puts even more pressure on McCarthy as he attempts to secure his place on the Vikings’ roster. With the regular season approaching, every practice rep and preseason opportunity could become important for the young quarterback as Minnesota continues to evaluate its options behind Murray at the position.

After Kyler Murray signed a one-year deal with the organization and was announced as the starting quarterback, McCarthy seemed like the obvious backup candidate. However, the quarterback wasn’t able to deliver his best performance in the preseason, and it looks like McCarthy isn’t battling Murray any longer; he’s now in a battle with journeyman quarterback Carson Wentz.

As per the report, McCarthy was seen sharing second-team reps with Wentz during Tuesday’s practice. The quarterback is still on his rookie contract, and his compensation for the 2027 season is fully guaranteed.

McCarthy’s situation could become clearer as the Vikings move closer to finalizing their 53-man roster. For now, the former first-round pick will have to make the most of his remaining opportunities and prove that he can still play an important role in Minnesota’s plans moving forward, despite losing the starting job.

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• ‘Picked the Wrong Guy’ — Ex NFL Scout Offers Harsh Reality Check to Vikings Amid J.J. McCarthy’s Uncertain Future
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• Nothing, Nada, Zilch’ — Colin Cowherd Gets Real on Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini Scandal’s Impact on NFL Season
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• ’Couldn’t Have Found Himself in a Better Spot’ — NFL Insider Raves Over Rams’ Handling of Ty Simpson Months After Draft Pick Backlash
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• This Is Pretty Delicate’ — Ex NFL Scout Highlights Issues With 49ers and Christian McCaffery’s Contract Challenges
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