​Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings have a decision to make regarding Kyle Van Noy. GettyVikings quarterback JJ McCarthy GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 13: Kyler Murray #1 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) GettyBleacher Report’s Alex Kay named Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy the most likely signal-caller to be traded during the 2026 NFL season. GettyThe Minnesota Vikings traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants on Monday for a 2027 fifth-round pick, pending a physical, and head coach Kevin O’Connell made the personal cost of that decision the center of his remarks to reporters.
Speaking at his press conference later Monday, O’Connell did sound somber about the decision to move McCarthy. He described his morning meeting with J.J. McCarthy as emotional and called the day difficult.
“Today’s a tough day,” O’Connell said. “Nothing about this changes the way I feel about J.J. or the hopes I have for him. I think it’s a good opportunity in New York. As I told him, I’ll be pulling for him like crazy, to see him go and do well and apply a lot of the things that we’ve talked about over his period of time here.” He added that their relationship “means a lot,” and that McCarthy’s presence still registered with teammates even after he lost the job. “As he’s grown within this building, his impact with his teammates has still been felt.”
Those comments closed a short, unfinished chapter. Minnesota traded up to take J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024 after his national title season at Michigan. A torn meniscus erased his rookie year, and he missed the entire season. In 2025, he went 6-4 and threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. A high-ankle sprain and a thumb injury cost him only play in 10 games. He showed flashes, including NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after his debut, but it was a road win at Detroit. After a primetime win over the Dallas Cowboys, 34-26, it looked like McCarthy had turned a corner. That was soon met again with another injury in week 16, stalling progress in his game.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 04: Head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown talk with J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Does KOC Deserve Blame?
He sure should have some as the head coach or even his influence in drafting him. He’s been called the “Quarterback Whisperer,” and it just never happened with J.J. McCarthy. The team’s decision to move on from Kirk Cousins and draft a young QB was a vision O’Connell believed he could deliver on. Not extending Sam Darnold for a young McCarthy also happ