J.J. McCarthy, who already lost the starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray, is now in a desperate fight to even keep his backup spot in Minnesota after splitting second-team reps with Carson Wentz during Tuesday’s 80-minute practice. This isn’t just a tough break; it’s a full-blown emergency for a guy the Vikings invested serious cash in, and the clock is ticking down to the 53-man roster cuts this Sunday.
Accuracy Woes and a Fastball Problem
Let’s be real, it’s not looking good. McCarthy got bumped to the No. 2 spot before the preseason even kicked off. And since then? He hasn’t exactly lit up the field in a pair of exhibition games. We’re talking persistent accuracy issues here, folks, and that’s a killer for any QB. The word from Kevin Seifert of ESPN is he just keeps overusing that fastball when he throws. It’s like he’s trying to blast every ball through a wall instead of placing it where it needs to be. That kind of inconsistency, especially at this level, is a serious problem, and it’s putting his entire career in Minnesota in jeopardy. You can’t lead an offense if you can’t hit your targets, and two poor exhibition performances are a glaring red flag.
The Rise of Wentz and a Looming Deadline
While McCarthy struggles, Carson Wentz is quietly making his move. He was a capable backup for the Vikings in 2025, even though he didn’t sign until late August. Now, with a full offseason, training camp, and preseason under his belt, Wentz is in a much better position to fill in for Murray if needed. He’s had the time to fully integrate into the system, and that continuity matters. Plus, let’s not forget Max Brosmer is also on the roster, adding another layer to this quarterback competition. With the 53-man roster cuts happening by Sunday, this isn’t some distant problem for McCarthy; it’s right here, right now, and the pressure is absolutely immense.
The stakes could not be higher. McCarthy’s guaranteed money is no joke: a balance of $1.075 million for 2026 and a full $3.775 million for 2027. That’s a significant financial commitment. The Vikings would undoubtedly try to trade him to avoid eating that cash, but the source notes they might have to pay a significant chunk of that money just to facilitate a deal. The absolute worst-case scenario? They might have to simply waive him, effectively cutting ties with a player they recently invested in. It’s a harsh reminder that in the NFL, performance is everything, and J.J. McCarthy’s early form is signaling a massive issue.
With the roster cut deadline looming on Sunday, J.J. McCarthy’s professional career, after a rough two exhibition games and persistent accuracy issues, hangs precariously in the balance. What was supposed to be a promising start is quickly turning into a nightmare scenario in Minnesota.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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