This would be huge.

The 2026 NFL Combine has seen multiple remarkable performances on the field, but it has also given fans plenty of rumors and speculation about what teams will do in free agency and the draft.

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the teams mentioned in multiple reports suggesting they might move on from 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. After missing the entire 2024 season due to a season-ending injury, McCarthy made his debut this past campaign. Injuries haunted him again, limiting the Michigan Wolverines product to just 10 games. He went 140 of 243 for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

He lacked consistency, and with all the health issues, the Vikings appear set to move on from the former No. 10 pick.

Minnesota Vikings Planning To Replace J.J. McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesJ.J. McCarthy (Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images)
According to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, the Vikings plan to move on from McCarthy and will bring in another quarterback to compete with him and replace him at some point. The Vikings are in the market for a new signal caller.

Several names, such as Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray, have been named as potential McCarthy replacements. Earlier this week, Dan Orlovsky suggested that Minnesota should try to acquire Aaron Rodgers’ services, too.

“As much as I worry about the stunting of the growth (of McCarthy), nope. If Aaron Rodgers wants to go to Minnesota and if I’m Minnesota, go get Aaron Rodgers,” Orlovsky said during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up.

Following a 14-3 2024 season with Sam Darnold under center, they moved on from the veteran. Darnold ended up winning Super Bowl 60, while the Vikings missed the playoffs. Perhaps another veteran face can lead the team to compete. McCarthy could still make an impact, but only time will tell.