The New York Jets enter the 2026 season with veteran Geno Smith as their starting quarterback, yet the franchise’s long-term plans under center remain unresolved after a 3-14 finish last year. Team decision-makers should strongly consider pursuing a trade for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy to secure a young foundation piece while the opportunity exists.
McCarthy, selected 10th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 draft, completed his first full NFL season in 2025 with mixed results. In 10 games he threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 57.6 percent of his passes for a 72.6 rating. He also contributed 181 rushing yards and four scores, finishing with a 6-4 record as a starter.
The production reflected the growing pains expected of a young quarterback who missed his entire rookie year with injury. At 23 years old, however, McCarthy retains the arm strength, mobility and competitive pedigree that made him a first-round choice after leading Michigan to a national championship.
Minnesota complicated its quarterback picture by signing Pro Bowl veteran Kyler Murray in free agency. Coach Kevin O’Connell has declared an open competition between Murray and McCarthy that will extend through training camp and the preseason. Reports indicate Murray enters as the favorite, raising the possibility the Vikings could make the former first-rounder available rather than carry two quarterbacks with significant investment.
McCarthy’s remaining salary on his four-year rookie contract is relatively modest after Minnesota already paid a substantial portion of the original $21.9 million deal. That financial reality, combined with his diminished trade value after a difficult 2025, could allow the Jets to acquire him without surrendering multiple high draft picks.
New York’s current quarterback room centers on Smith, who turns 36 this season and was brought in as a bridge after the team traded Justin Fields. The Jets also drafted Cade Klubnik, but the organization still lacks a clear long-term answer at the position that has defined years of disappointment.
Head coach Aaron Glenn is entering a pivotal second season after overhauling his staff and taking a more hands-on role. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich, a former NFL head coach known for developing quarterbacks, arrives with the task of improving one of the league’s least productive offenses from a year ago.
A young, mobile quarterback such as McCarthy would give Reich a developmental project who can learn behind Smith while contributing in packages that emphasize dual-threat ability. The Jets’ history of short-term quarterback fixes makes this kind of measured acquisition particularly appealing.
Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey have emphasized patience and process after successive seasons of high expectations followed by poor results. Adding McCarthy would align with that philosophy by addressing the most critical roster need without a massive free-agency commitment or another high draft selection.
The Vikings have publicly insisted they have not given up on McCarthy and view the competition as a chance to sharpen his focus. Still, the practical realities of roster construction and salary-cap management could force a difficult decision if Murray seizes the starting job early.
For the Jets, the window to inquire is open before training camps intensify and trade markets shift. McCarthy’s combination of youth, residual contract value and untapped upside presents a rare chance to invest in the future at a discounted price.
Whether Minnesota ultimately parts with the 2024 first-round pick remains uncertain, but New York has compelling reasons to make the call.
Securing McCarthy now would provide the franchise a potential cornerstone while Glenn’s tenure still offers time to build around him.
