Given the impressive success of Sam Darnold during the 2024 campaign, some have wondered if the Minnesota Vikings could trade rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the upcoming 2025 offseason.
It's been nothing more than speculation, and on Sunday, NFL Media's Tom Pelissero shared that the Vikings have no plans to trade McCarthy in 2025. Pelissero elaborated on the report and shared why Minnesota isn't expected to send the young quarterback packing in the offseason even if they re-sign Darnold.
"There is no reason for the Vikings to consider trading their first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, a young player that they really like. He's missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery. That's a lot of missed reps. It's going to take him time to get back up to speed, and frankly, Sam Darnold, this season, is a tough act to follow."
J.J. McCarthy trade rumors are not expected to become a reality for Minnesota Vikings in 2025
It's completely fair to speculate that the Vikings might be willing to consider trading McCarthy in the upcoming offseason, especially if Darnold is able to lead the team to the NFC Championship or Super Bowl.
But before Sunday, the only reports about McCarthy possibly getting traded in the offseason have come from the perspective of teams outside of Minnesota's locker room. As for Pelissero's report, that sounds more like something that was shared with him by someone who is an actual member of the Vikings.
Unfortunately, the trade chatter around McCarthy is likely going to continue until he's made the full-time starting quarterback by the Vikings. That's just the nature of how the NFL rumor mill works these days.
If Minnesota re-signs Darnold later this year and he ends up having another good season in 2025, then the team potentially trading McCarthy is something that will probably become a more legitimate possibility.
For now, though, the plan for the Vikings is that McCarthy will be on the team's roster for the 2025 season, regardless of whether Minnesota re-signs Darnold this year or not.