After the signing of quarterback Carson Wentz by the Minnesota Vikings, reports suggest the trade of JJ McCarthy.

In last week's free agency, the Vikings signed Kyler Murray, and many believed McCarthy would be the team’s backup Quarterback. But after Wentz's arrival, many speculate McCarthy will be gone.

But on ESPN Cleveland, when asked about his thoughts on the Vikings bringing in Wentz and their plan for JJ McCarthy, the NFL Analyst, Tony Grossi, replied,

“You need three quarterbacks. Wentz was there before. He beat the Browns, of course, in London. I think they need three QBs, and they want to be safe, and they got Murray, McCarthy, and Wentz now. So that’s all it tells me. I think they’ll hang on to McCarthy as long as he’s under his rookie contract.”

McCarthy signed a 4-year, $21.85 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and achieved 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with the team.

In 2024, J. J. McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee, went on injured reserve, and missed his entire rookie season.

And in many press conferences, the Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has touched upon the fact that McCarthy looks good in the practices, but when on the field, he reverts to his “bad habits.”

These reasons might lead the Vikings to trade McCarthy.

Why JJ McCarthy could be a good fit for the Cleveland Browns?

In 2025, JJ McCarthy was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, becoming the first quarterback to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns in NFL history.

The Cleveland Browns, who possess 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, are uncertain with their starting quarterback position between Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson. 

And reportedly, the team would be willing to release Watson if any franchise would take on his $44M annual salary.

With new head coach Todd Monken reshaping the roster, drafting J. J. McCarthy, the former 10th overall NFL Draft pick, could benefit the Cleveland Browns.

Under the right mentorship of Monken, the winning quarterback at the University of Michigan, who finished with a 27-1 record as a starter, could come back stronger. 

What do you think about the idea of McCarty being in the Browns? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Kalp Thaker