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Vikings Trade J.J. McCarthy Before Roster Deadline

8/29/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Vikings will trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy before the Aug. 30, 6 p.m. ET roster-cut deadline.
McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season because of a torn meniscus.
He completed only 57.6% of passes in 2025.
Chargers offered a fifth-round pick and quarterback Trey Lance for McCarthy.
Ravens proposed a fourth- and seventh-round pick for McCarthy.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL set a 53-player roster limit and an August 30 cut-down, prompting the Vikings to release 12 veterans and the Chargers to trim 10 under a $33.8 million salary cap. The Vikings’ present trade talks for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, with offers from the Chargers and Ravens, echo those roster-cut dynamics as teams weigh draft picks against immediate depth for 2025 season.

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Story summary

Vikings will trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy before the Aug. 30, 6 p.m. ET roster-cut deadline.
McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season because of a torn meniscus.
He completed only 57.6% of passes in 2025.
Chargers offered a fifth-round pick and quarterback Trey Lance for McCarthy.
Ravens proposed a fourth- and seventh-round pick for McCarthy.

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