The NFL’s worst-kept secret is finally out in the open.
The Minnesota Vikings
named
Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 season. While that doesn’t mean he’ll hold onto the job for the whole campaign, the decision can trigger a ripple effect on the roster.
J.J. McCarthy isn’t likely to take this move kindly. With the Vikings seemingly giving up on him, quarterback-needy teams should pick up the phone to inquire about his availability.
As bad as he’s been, he’s still a former first-round pick who hasn’t come even close to his prime years. Considering that, let’s take a look at three destinations that make sense for him.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will more than likely lose Baker Mayfield in free agency. He won’t negotiate a new deal during the season, and he claimed he felt disrespected by the organization.
The Bucs can take a flier on a former national champion with dual-threat upside. While their offensive coordinator has changed multiple times since Mayfield took over, their coaching staff was able to salvage his career, so they may want to try their luck with another reclamation project. They can use this season to develop him and figure out whether he can be their guy for the future.
The Los Angeles Chargers already have a franchise quarterback, but depth behind Justin Herbert is a concern. As things stand now, they only have Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei.
While he likely wouldn’t play there, he’d get a chance to reunite with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was his biggest advocate in the predraft process. He’d also get to develop under an offensive guru like Mike McDaniel. Within a season or two, he could be the league’s next Sam Darnold.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must prepare for the post-Aaron Rodgers era, and they have one of the most underwhelming quarterback rooms in the league.
Will Howard and Mason Rudolph aren’t starting-caliber guys, and Drew Allar might need even more time than McCarthy to get his act together. If anything, he can be a worthy gamble.
The Michigan product would join another offensive-minded coaching staff. While Mike McCarthy has had his shortcomings as a head coach, he certainly knows how to put his quarterbacks in a favorable position.
