JJ McCarthy's Shocking NFL Trade Rumors: Could This Former Michigan Star Become a $20M Bust?

Former Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy is navigating a challenging landscape as he completes his first season with the Minnesota Vikings. After being drafted as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectations were high for McCarthy to emerge as the franchise's long-term solution at quarterback. However, his 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marred by injury and inconsistency on the field.

In his final year at Michigan, McCarthy showcased his talent by leading the team to a national championship, completing 72.3 percent of his passes for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. He also demonstrated athleticism, rushing for 632 yards and 10 touchdowns. But as he stepped into the NFL, things didn’t pan out as planned. In 2025, McCarthy played in only 10 games, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 57.6 percent of his passes. He also added 181 rushing yards and four touchdowns, but these numbers were not enough to solidify his position as the starter.

The Vikings, eager to enhance their quarterback situation, are reportedly considering a significant trade to acquire Cincinnati Bengals superstar Joe Burrow. According to a report by Grant Cohn of On SI on January 22, the Vikings' proposal could involve McCarthy, along with Jonathan Greenard and two first-round picks. “They want to get right back into contention,” Cohn noted about the Vikings' intentions. The potential trade, if executed, would mark a swift exit for McCarthy after just one season in Minnesota, raising questions about his future in the league.

The NFL has seen a growing trend of teams moving on from young quarterbacks more quickly than in the past, driven by the pressure to win now. This reality creates an uncertain landscape for McCarthy, who is still only 23 years old and has shown flashes of the talent that led to his high draft selection. Coaches and front offices are increasingly focused on immediate results, leaving little room for patience with developing players.

As the offseason approaches, it’s expected that McCarthy’s name will be a focal point in trade discussions. Despite the challenges he faced this past season, Michigan Wolverines fans—who proudly watched him evolve from a college star to an NFL prospect—are likely to continue cheering for him, regardless of where his career takes him next.

For the Vikings, the potential acquisition of Burrow represents a desire to leap back into contention within a competitive division. If they go through with the trade, McCarthy could be seen as collateral damage in the pursuit of a more established quarterback. The implications of this move could resonate deeply, not just for McCarthy’s career but also for the Vikings' plans moving forward.

As the offseason unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how McCarthy adapts to the uncertainty surrounding his future and if he can leverage his experience from his time at Michigan to secure another opportunity in the NFL.