In the latest NFL rumors this offseason for the Minnesota Vikings, the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy could come down to a trade. Despite signing Murray to a one-year deal earlier in free agency, Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports believes the veteran could request a trade if he loses the QB battle in training camp. Last season, the Vikings rolled the dice on McCarthy as their permanent starter, allowing now Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold to walk during the offseason. Unfortunately, the former first-round pick was unable to prove he’s reliable after missing his entire rookie season.
Minnesota brought Murray in to stir some competition due to his experience with the Arizona Cardinals. While the former 2019 Draft selection could be favored over McCarthy, it doesn’t guarantee he will be the team’s Week 1 starter come September. Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported that the former Cardinals looked “uncomfortable at times” in offseason workouts. While the veteran has never played for anyone other than Arizona, it’s easy to see why there are nerves.
With the Vikings seeing enough from McCarthy, could this mean they can fully trust the former Arizona starter? It depends on how the upcoming training camp plays out.
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It’s understandable why Forness believes that Murray may request a trade right before Week 1. He’s 28-years-old and knows he is running out of time to play for his final big contract. What makes the QB battle more complicated is the Vikings bringing back Carson Wentz in the same room. It really feels like if McCarthy loses, he’ll get traded, and if Murray doesn’t achieve dominance, the veteran will seek to fight for a starting role elsewhere.
Everyone will have to wait patiently to see what happens over the next few weeks, but let’s explore three teams that could entertain giving Murray one last shot in the league if he leaves Minnesota early.
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
With the Carolina Panthers yet to commit to QB Bryce Young, it’s really anyone’s team to take in this offense. The Panthers took WR Chris Brazzell in this year’s draft, who shows plenty of promise, while re-signing Jalen Coker to a new deal. 2025 draft selection Tetairoa McMillan is set to break out this upcoming season, so Young doesn’t have any excuse here. The team also signed two high-profile edge rushers, Jaelan Philips and Devin Lloyd, to help turn the ball over for better field position.
If Young isn’t ready, they signed Kenny Pickett as their backup. However, if all fails, the Panthers can consider bringing in Murray via a trade to create some much-needed pressure for Young.
Atlanta Falcons
Even though the Atlanta Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract this offseason, they have one of the worst QB rooms in the league. Between him and Michael Penix Jr., nobody should expect this team to make the postseason. Penix is fighting for his starting spot, but Tagovailoa hasn’t been consistent the past few seasons. It’s still an “up in the air” decision, and here is where they should consider trading for Murray to somehow save their offense.
Miami Dolphins
Although the Miami Dolphins signed top free agent Malik Willis this offseason, they could look to draft a QB in next year’s draft. It’s an easy decision for new head coach Jeff Hafley, who is entering a new regime, so they want to ensure that Willis is the answer. Quinn Ewers could be traded if they feel like Willis can prove himself. However, with Murray probably not being a starter anymore, he might have to take a backup role and be ready for a starting spot.
