This is not the first time McCarthy has opted to take a breather from the coaching world after departing from a team. After he was fired by the Packers during the 2018 season, McCarthy didn’t return to the sidelines until 2020 with Dallas.
He spent five seasons as the Cowboys head coach, accumulating a 49-35 record with the team and leading it to three postseason appearances, though Dallas never advanced beyond the Divisional Round. Between his time in Green Bay and Dallas, McCarthy led his teams to 12 postseason trips in 18 seasons at the helm, including winning Super Bowl XLV with the Packers.
His résumé should make McCarthy a strong candidate in next offseason’s hiring cycle, though that’s still a long way away. For now, the 2025 NFL season will go forth without McCarthy as a participant.
Former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has announced that he will not be coaching this upcoming season, choosing instead to focus on preparing for the 2026 hiring cycle. After being let go by the Cowboys earlier this year, McCarthy has decided to take a step back from coaching in order to evaluate his options and plan for his next coaching opportunity.
McCarthy’s decision comes as a surprise to many, as he is a highly respected coach with a successful track record in the NFL. However, he believes that taking some time off from coaching will allow him to recharge and come back even stronger for the next hiring cycle.
While McCarthy will not be on the sidelines this season, he remains committed to the game of football and is eager to get back into coaching when the time is right. In the meantime, he will be keeping a close eye on the league and preparing for his next opportunity to lead a team to success.
Fans and colleagues alike are eager to see what the future holds for Mike McCarthy and are excited to see where his coaching career will take him next.
Since the widely beloved Blue Bloods wrapped up late last year, star Donnie Wahlberg has been searching for new projects.
Over the span of his decades-long career, he’s had the opportunity to star in many exciting shows. Now, one in particular is getting a spin-off. And he couldn’t think of anyone better to share the stage with than his wife, Jenny McCarthy.
What does the couple’s latest endeavor look like?
Donnie Wahlberg & Jenny McCarthy’s New Show Comes To Investigation Discovery
True crime television shows have exploded in popularity over the last several years. New Kids on the Block singer Donnie Wahlberg has had his own taste of the action, hosting Very Scary People since 2019.
But now, the popular documentary-style series is getting a new spin-off. And Wahlberg’s wife Jenny McCarthy will join him as hostess.
Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy are teaming up once again, but this time it’s for their very own spin-off series! The dynamic duo, who have captured audiences with their chemistry on various projects in the past, are set to star in a new reality show that will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at their busy lives.
From juggling their careers to parenting their blended family, Donnie and Jenny will provide fans with an intimate look at their marriage and the challenges they face as they navigate fame and family life. The show promises to be a mix of heartwarming moments, laugh-out-loud antics, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Fans of the couple can expect to see the same wit, charm, and love that made them fall in love with them in the first place. With Donnie’s music career and Jenny’s various hosting gigs, there’s never a dull moment in their household.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new spin-off starring Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy!
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Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy, new spin-off, TV show, celebrity couple, entertainment news, Hollywood stars, reality TV, Donnie loves Jenny, Wahlburgers, celebrity romance, pop culture.
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Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy joins TODAY and discusses President Joe Biden’s last-minute pardons and how Donald Trump will be different this time around in the Oval Office.Jan. 20, 2025
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Arctic blast blankets Midwest and Northeast with sub-zero temps
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Historic winter storm hits South, bringing snow and frigid temps
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Fire breaks out at ski resort in Turkey, leaving at least 10 dead
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In a recent interview, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy discussed the possibility of President Trump running for a second term in 2024. McCarthy expressed his support for Trump, stating that he believes the former president would be a strong candidate if he chose to run again.
When asked about President Biden’s recent pardons, McCarthy criticized the decisions, calling them “reckless” and “politically motivated.” He expressed concerns about the individuals who were granted clemency, suggesting that some of them may pose a danger to society.
McCarthy’s comments highlight the ongoing political divisions in the United States, with Republicans and Democrats continuing to clash over issues such as presidential pardons and potential future election outcomes. As the 2024 election approaches, it is likely that these disagreements will only intensify.
Tags:
Kevin McCarthy, Trump’s second term, Biden’s pardons, Republican Party, politics, US president, political news, conservative leader
Courtney Cronin joined ESPN in 2017, originally covering the Minnesota Vikings before switching to the Chicago Bears in 2022. Courtney is a frequent panelist on Around the Horn and host of Best Week Ever on ESPN Radio. She also co-hosts The Chicago Bears Podcast on ESPN 1000. She previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News as a multimedia sports journalist.
CHICAGO — As the Bears‘ coaching search began its second week, a prominent name was added to a lengthy list of candidates.
The Dallas Cowboys announced Monday they will not bring Mike McCarthy back for a sixth season after the two sides failed to agree on terms of a contract extension. Chicago’s request to interview McCarthy while he was under contract in Dallas was denied by the Cowboys. Now that McCarthy is a free agent, the Bears were free to interview him Wednesday.
The Bears flew McCarthy in Wednesday afternoon, according to a league source.
The Bears’ list stands at 19 with completed interviews (9), requested interviews (9) and an NFL Network report about interest in speaking with Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, whose team will play Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 20.
With the wild-card round complete, Chicago can interview a handful of intriguing candidates, from Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Chicago general manager Ryan Poles vowed a thorough search that would include names that would “surprise” many as the Bears aim to dig deeper on this head coaching pursuit than they have before. The goal remains finding a coach who will maximize the skills of former No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
Here’s a breakdown of the candidates.
Completed interviews
Thomas Brown, interim Bears head coach: Brown interviewed with the Bears on Monday and also has interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks‘ offensive coordinator opening. No other coach has the type of insight on Williams and the Bears offense than Brown, who was promoted twice in-season to offensive coordinator and interim head coach for Chicago’s final five games.
Pete Carroll, former Seattle Seahawks head coach: Carroll expressed interest in the Bears job in December and was the fourth interview the team conducted last week. He spent 14 seasons in Seattle, where he won a Super Bowl (2013) and captured a national championship with USC in 2004. Carroll, 74, has the most head coaching experience of any candidate the Bears are interested in, with additional stints with the Jets (1994) and Patriots (1997 to 1999). He spent the 2024 season as an adviser with Seattle.
Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator: Glenn interviewed with the Bears during Detroit’s first-round bye. Detroit allowed 20.1 points per game (7th) and had the NFL’s best third-down defense (32.4%) en route to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Glenn completed his fourth season in Detroit and previously coached defensive backs in New Orleans and Cleveland.
Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator: The biggest name of the coaching cycle completed a virtual interview with Chicago during Detroit’s bye before interviewing with the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson has coordinated a Lions offense that ranked No. 1 in scoring (33.2) and was second in yards per game (409.5). Johnson spurned the Commanders for a second head coaching interview last year and is in high demand this cycle.
Mike Kafka, New York Giantsoffensive coordinator: Kafka and Poles overlapped in Kansas City for five seasons, including four when Kafka was Patrick Mahomes‘ quarterbacks coach. For the past three seasons, Kafka has been the Giants’ offensive coordinator and called plays for most of his first two seasons before coach Brian Daboll took over playcalling in 2024. The Giants had an offense that ranked 30th in yards and 31st in points per game.
Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys head coach: McCarthy has led teams to the playoffs in 12 of his 18 seasons as an NFL head coach, with an 11-11 postseason record and eight division titles. He was instrumental in developing Aaron Rodgers from the beginning of his career in 2006 and helped Dak Prescott set career highs in completions and touchdowns while becoming an MVP candidate in 2023.
There are reasonable questions about McCarthy’s game management, especially in the postseason, and the Cowboys were the most penalized team in the NFL (8.2 total penalties, 6.8 accepted per game) during his five seasons in Dallas.
Drew Petzing, Arizona Cardinalsoffensive coordinator: Petzing overlapped with Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren for five seasons (2014 to 2018) in Minnesota, where he worked with receivers and quarterbacks. After a season as Cleveland’s quarterbacks coach (2022), Petzing spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator in Arizona, where he called plays for a top-10 rushing offense with quarterback Kyler Murray, who threw for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
Ron Rivera, former Commanders and Carolina Panthers head coach: Rivera was the first candidate the Bears interviewed in person Jan. 12. He spent 13 years as a head coach of two NFL franchises (Washington and Carolina) and compiled a 102-103 record while being twice named Coach of the Year. He also guided the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Rivera hasn’t had a winning season in the NFL since 2017 but boasts experience in building the type of culture that Poles, Warren and chairman George McCaskey believe is pivotal in getting the Bears back on track. The 63-year-old was a linebacker for the Bears for nine seasons and was the team’s defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006.
David Shaw, former Stanford head coach/current Broncos senior personnel executive: Shaw has coached in the NFL and college football and spent the 2024 season as a senior personnel executive for the Broncos. He developed quarterback Andrew Luck into the first overall pick while at Stanford and also coached Houston quarterback Davis Mills.
Anthony Weaver, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator: Weaver just finished his first season in Miami coordinating a defense that ranked 10th in scoring and fourth in total defense. His pedigree as an NFL coach is rooted along the defensive line, where the Bears finished tied for ninth with 40 sacks this season. The 52-year-old coach and seven-year NFL defensive end spent the 2022-23 season in Baltimore as the defensive line coach and assistant head coach to John Harbaugh.
Requested interviews
Matt Campbell, Iowa State head coach: The two-time AP Big 12 Coach of the Year set a program record for wins in 2024 with 11. Campbell has been at Iowa State since 2016 and is credited for developing Jets running back Breece Hall and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy into NFL starters while compiling a 64-51 record. Campbell has never coached in the NFL.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator: Perhaps the biggest endorsement Brady received was when Bills quarterback Josh Allen jokingly warned teams to stay away from his offensive coordinator. The Bills earned the AFC’s No. 2 seed in 2024 with the No. 2 scoring offense and a top-nine rushing and passing attack. Brady and Williams have a relationship that dates to when Williams was a 12-year-old camper at William & Mary, where Brady was the linebackers coach. When Brady was a coach at LSU, Williams was leaning toward attending the university, but he switched to Oklahoma when Brady left for the NFL.
Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator: The Bears have seen Flores’ aggressive defenses up close the past two seasons. Among the biggest names in this cycle, Flores brings head coaching experience over three seasons in Miami, where he compiled a 24-25 record and a defense that ranked fourth in EPA. There will be questions about his ability to develop a young quarterback after his icy relationship with Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator: Kingsbury was hired by USC in 2023 to help Williams prepare for life in the NFL. The former Cardinals head coach developed Kyler Murray into the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2019 and is on track to see Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels win the same award after he set rookie records for completion percentage (69) and quarterback rushing yards (891) for an offense ranked No. 5 in scoring (28.5 points per game).
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravensoffensive coordinator: Monken, 52, has extensive experience on the offensive side of the ball. He coached Stetson Bennett at Georgia during back-to-back national championships and has elevated Lamar Jackson as a passer. That has been instrumental in his MVP season in 2023 and record-breaking 2024 campaign, when he became the first QB in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 800 in the same season.
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh Steelersoffensive coordinator: Smith has head coaching experience with the Falcons and exceeded expectations with Pittsburgh’s offense for the majority of the 2024 season with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as his quarterbacks. The Steelers did a tailspin in the last month of the season, losing their last five, including a wild-card game to the Ravens. Pittsburgh didn’t top 17 points in any of those losses.
Adam Stenavich, Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator: Stenavich has been with Green Bay since 2019, when he joined Matt LaFleur’s staff as an offensive line coach. While LaFleur calls plays for Green Bay, Stenavich’s biggest impact has been on the Packers’ run game, which ranked fifth in yards and touchdowns in 2024.
The Bears went a similar route under Matt Eberflus when they hired Luke Getsy as their offensive coordinator (2022-23) after he spent time under LaFleur as Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Getsy’s first time calling plays was in Chicago, and the Bears passing offense never ranked higher than 27th in his two seasons as OC.
The Chicago Bears are in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Matt Nagy. As they search for the right candidate to lead their team, two names have emerged as potential targets: Mike McCarthy and Ben Johnson.
McCarthy, the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, has a proven track record of success in the NFL. He led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2010 and has a reputation for being a strong offensive mind. McCarthy’s experience and leadership qualities could make him an attractive option for the Bears.
On the other hand, Ben Johnson, the current wide receivers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, is a rising star in the coaching ranks. Johnson has worked closely with quarterback Justin Herbert and helped develop him into one of the top young passers in the league. His innovative offensive schemes and ability to connect with players could make him a promising candidate for the Bears.
As the Bears weigh their options, they will also consider other coaching candidates who could help turn their team around. With a talented roster in place, including star players like Khalil Mack and Justin Fields, the Bears will be looking for a coach who can maximize their potential and lead them to success in the future. Stay tuned for updates on the Bears’ coaching search.
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Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson, Bears coaching candidates, NFL coaching search, head coach candidates, Chicago Bears, coaching rumors, coaching carousel, potential head coaches, football coaching candidates, NFL coaching updates, coaching hires, Mike McCarthy news, Ben Johnson rumors
The Vikings have a decision to make at the quarterback position this offseason. If Sam Darnold leaves in free agency — whether because he isn’t offered a contract by Minnesota or he chooses to take more money elsewhere — there’s a good chance 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy will be in line to win the starting job this fall.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a meniscus tear suffered in the preseason opener in mid-August, but the Vikings are pleased with where he’s at in his recovery process.
“I’m very excited about where J.J.’s at,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Thursday. “He’s returned to on-field training. He’s right where we hoped he would be at this point.”
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who spoke before O’Connell, said he had just run into McCarthy while walking around TCO Performance Center prior to his press conference. He said McCarthy was in the weight room doing “those cool quarterback thrusty things that Dak (Prescott) does.” He also noted that the rookie QB is back to throwing in on-field workouts.
“He looks great,” Adofo-Mensah said. “He’s excited. You talk about a kid who’s just obsessed with football and loves being around the game. So we’re excited about what we have in him. We’re excited for this offseason for him.”
The Vikings became enamored with McCarthy in the pre-draft process and made sure they landed the former Michigan star by moving up one spot to select him tenth overall in April. His progression over the ensuing four months, from rookie minicamp up through training camp and one impressive preseason game, validated a lot of what they thought they were getting. Before he got hurt, he was in the mix to win the job, even if Darnold was probably the favorite at the time.
“This guy is so motivated and so dialed in,” O’Connell said back in August, shortly after McCarthy’s season-ending injury was announced. “As excited as I was to draft him, he’s confirmed everything that I hoped to see. Our fan base and everyone should be excited about the fact that we’ve got our young franchise quarterback in the building.”
At the time of the injury, the Vikings’ plan seemed to be this: Get whatever they could out of Darnold in 2024, then wish him well in free agency and hand the keys over to McCarthy. Then Darnold went out and led the Vikings to 14 wins, finished in the top five in the league in passing yards and touchdowns, and made the Pro Bowl. That seemed to change the outlook of the decision, at least for a while. And then Darnold flopped in blowout losses in the two biggest games of the season, perhaps swinging the pendulum back to the original plan.
All along, McCarthy basically had a college redshirt year. He was fully involved in meetings and film study and helping Darnold prepare for each and every week, taking countless mental reps. He learned a lot.
“I think he maximized what this year was for him,” O’Connell said when asked if the Vikings would be comfortable with him as their Week 1 starter this year. “I think he’s got a level of comfort in our offensive system and getting to have a front row seat for every aspect of what Sam went through, from being in the first year in our system and watching it kind of morph and grow and adapt as the season went on, why we do things. … I think him being able to absorb a lot of that and now have a really positive offseason from start to finish here will be able to give us the answer to that question. Very excited about the opportunity to be there with J.J. as he continues to move through this wonderful thing we call the quarterback world.”
Adofo-Mensah expressed similar sentiments when asked the same question about McCarthy’s potential to be their starter this year.
“We don’t know what was going to happen in the finish of the training camp,” he said. “But (J.J.) got a great mental year, as a redshirt year. The process that they had, in our exit meetings with him, talking about how much he learned this year compared to other years in his football life, just exponential, which you would expect for a young player in this building. So I think we’re really confident in him, his work ethic, and his preparation.
“I can’t sit here and tell you I know anything for certain. I know that I’m willing to believe in the person that we have. That position is about talent and preparation, and he’s got those things in spades. So if that’s the course of action we decide, we’ll go there confidently.”
The Minnesota Vikings are feeling confident in quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s recovery process as he continues to rehab from a recent injury. The team’s doctors and trainers have been closely monitoring McCarthy’s progress and are pleased with the results so far.
“J.J. is right where we hoped he’d be at this point in his recovery,” said Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. “He has been working tirelessly to get back on the field, and we are optimistic about his return.”
McCarthy suffered a serious injury during a game earlier this season, but he has been diligent in his rehabilitation efforts. The Vikings have been impressed with his determination and work ethic throughout the process.
“We have full confidence in J.J. and his ability to come back stronger than ever,” said Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. “He is a vital part of our team, and we are looking forward to having him back on the field soon.”
While there is still work to be done in McCarthy’s recovery, the Vikings are encouraged by his progress and are hopeful for a successful return to the field in the near future. Stay tuned for updates on McCarthy’s recovery process as he continues to work towards getting back in the game. #SkolVikings #JJMcCarthy #RecoveryProcess.
The Dallas Cowboys are about a week away from making a decision on Mike McCarthy. Obviously the Cowboys’ season will end on Sunday afternoon which means that if they want to get a jump on things they will take care of matters as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, this is not the Cowboys’ way. They usually prefer to draw out the process of moving on from, or bringing back, a current head coach, in this case Mike McCarthy.
Consider that the 2019 season ended on December 29th and that it took until January 5th of 2020 for the team to make a formal announcement that they were moving on from Jason Garrett at the time. It is fair to expect more of the same this time around as well.
If the Cowboys do wind up moving on from McCarthy then it stands to reason that he is not going to sit idly by. Reports continue to swirl that McCarthy could be a wanted head coach and on Thursday it was reported that in that hypothetical world, the Chicago Bears could be his team of choice.
Pete Carroll might not be the only Super Bowl-winning coach vying for the Bears job. I’ve talked to multiple people who believe McCarthy — should he leave Dallas — could set his sights on Chicago. He would give the Bears much-needed experience and offensive acumen.
At the moment there are three head coach openings in the NFL: Chicago, New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints. Of those three it is hard to argue against the idea that Chicago is the best and most opportune one for a would-be candidate based on the pieces each team has on their roster. It makes sense that McCarthy would prefer them.
Will things ultimately come to that, though? Or will the Cowboys bring McCarthy back? As noted, we may be a ways away from ultimately having this answer.
Buckle up and get ready to wait.
Rumors have been swirling that Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy could be eyeing a potential move to the Chicago Bears if the Cowboys decide to part ways with him.
McCarthy, who has had a rocky tenure with the Cowboys since taking over in 2020, has reportedly expressed interest in the Bears organization and could see them as a potential landing spot if he becomes available.
With the Bears currently in the midst of a coaching search after firing Matt Nagy, McCarthy could bring a wealth of experience and a Super Bowl-winning pedigree to the team.
While nothing is set in stone, it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and if McCarthy ends up making the move to the Windy City. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Tags:
Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy, Bears, NFL, coaching, head coach, Dallas, Chicago, football, NFL rumors, coaching rumors, team news, sports news, potential moves
Coach Mike McCarthy isn’t ready to discuss his future, but he is willing to acknowledge the obvious.
Sunday could be his final game with the Cowboys.
“I’ll be honest with you: I go to the stadium much earlier this time in my career than I used to,” McCarthy said Thursday, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “I won a Super Bowl in that home locker room at AT&T Stadium. So, I have a very strong emotional attachment that it hits me every time I walk in there and every time I walk out. So, yeah, I’m definitely aware of it.
“I know you got [defensive coordinator Mike] Zimmer up here. You’re not getting me today. I’m not thinking about it right now, but, yeah, I’m definitely in tune with that.”
Zimmer became emotional earlier this week in what also might be his final season with the Cowboys. He held back tears in talking about his son, Adam, a former NFL assistant who died in 2022.
The Cowboys’ entire coaching staff is in the final year of their contracts, so McCarthy, and the others, will become free agents. McCarthy should have options, but it is unknown whether the Cowboys want him to return and whether he wants to return.
He is 49-34 in five seasons in Dallas, with a 1-3 postseason record.
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to face off against the Washington Football Team in what could potentially be Mike McCarthy’s final home game as head coach, the pressure and speculation are at an all-time high.
When asked about the possibility of this being his last game at AT&T Stadium, McCarthy responded, “I’m definitely aware of the situation, but my focus is solely on preparing this team to win on Sunday. I can’t control what the future holds, but I can control how we perform on the field.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Cowboys, McCarthy remains steadfast in his commitment to his team and his belief in their ability to come out victorious. As he leads his players onto the field for what could be a pivotal game, all eyes will be on McCarthy and how he navigates the challenges that lie ahead.
Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain – Mike McCarthy is determined to leave it all on the field and give his all for America’s Team.
The New York Giants find themselves in a precarious position. As things stand now, they don’t have a starting quarterback for the 2025 season — apologies to Tommy DeVito.
And after beating the Indianapolis Colts, they find themselves sitting at fourth overall in a draft which might only have two viable quarterback prospects. If the Giants want to draft either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, they will likely have to strike a deal with the New England Patriots. They would not only have to jump the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, they’d have to out-bid the Las Vegas Raiders and whoever else wants the first pick in the draft.
But is there another option?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was recently asked about the possibility that the Vikings could trade 2024 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy, a player the Giants passed on at No. 6 in the draft.
And while Schefter added the caveat that the Vikings could have no interest trading McCarthy, there will be (or is) interest in him around the NFL.
“In a limited quarterback draft class, where there are far more teams that need quarterbacks than there are quarterbacks who can actually step in right away, I… definitely think teams will be checking in with the Vikings to see if they have any interest in trading J.J. McCarthy,” Schefter said.
“J.J. McCarthy would have been a top, if not the top, quarterback prospect in this draft.”
It isn’t exactly breaking news that teams check in with each other to see who might be available. But that Schefter is so sure that quarterback-needy teams will be calling to check on McCarthy doesn’t come from nowhere. Schefter doesn’t usually bring up possibilities out of thin air, so if he’s mentioning teams “definitely” calling with regards to McCarthy, there’s probably something to it.
Now, are the Giants among the teams who could (or are) calling about McCarthy? It’s certainly possible.
But the question is whether or not the Vikings would be willing to part with a player they just drafted to be a franchise quarterback, and whether or not the price would be too rich for the Giants’ liking.
“If the Vikings decide that they wanted to trade him they would get back everything they put into him, and then some. It would be a ‘one’ [first round pick] and then some,” Schefter said.
That, of course, means a first-round pick plus.
Raptor’s thoughts
Anything could happen, and the Vikings certainly seem like they want to re-sign Sam Darnold. That would make their calculations regarding McCarthy interesting, to say the least.
Darnold probably won’t want to sign a two-year contract that could make him expendable if McCarthy matures. On the other hand, the Vikings would need to protect themselves against Darnold regressing in 2025 and beyond. As well as he’s played this year, he has six prior years of poor play before that.
Likewise, the Vikings know that having two starting caliber quarterbacks saved their season. They’ve also gotten to see the Falcons nearly save their season by drafting Michael Penix, and the Steelers have success by acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Field. We could see the calculus regarding the quarterback position changing going forward and teams being less likely to part with good passers.
There’s also the fact that the Vikings were clearly sold on McCarthy as being their next franchise quarterback. They were sold enough to move up in order to draft him at 10th overall to ensure they got him. Though the price to move from 11th to 10th overall wasn’t exactly onerous (129th and 157th picks, and getting 210th), the commitment is the important part.
Schefter is right that if (and it’s a big “if”) the Vikings make McCarthy available, he would command a hefty price. Schefter says “a one and then some”, so it would cost the Giants’ first-round pick, likely a Day 2 pick, and potentially more. IF the Vikings make McCarthy available, they would almost certainly talk to the Patriots to find out what they’re asking for the first overall pick and base their price around that.
The Giants scouted McCarthy heavily. He was complimented on Hard Knocks for his football IQ and that John Harbaugh game him the freedom to audible at the line of scrimmage. Assistant GM Brandon Brown also mentioned that the decision to draft Malik Nabers rather than Michael Penix, McCarthy, or Bo Nix, was due to the belief that Nabers would do more to help the Giants “right now” than the quarterbacks.
Personally, I was impressed by McCarthy’s field vision, arm talent, and athleticism. I believe that he deserved to be mentioned in the same breath as Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye as a prospect last year.
The Giants absolutely should call the Vikings to see if McCarthy is available, and if so what the cost would be. There’s a definite risk to trading for a player coming off of an injury and who also has limited experience carrying a team on his right arm. However, he likely has higher upside than any quarterback outside of Cam Ward — and perhaps even then he might have a higher ceiling.
The Giants absolutely need to find a long-term solution at quarterback. And it seems as though they might need to bite the bullet and make a deal to acquire one. Whether that means trading up for Cam Ward (or Shedeur Sanders), or trying to acquire McCarthy, there’s a price the Giants will have to pay to (try and) get out of Quarterback Hell.
They may never be able to find out just how good the rest of the team could be if they don’t get the most important position figured out.
The New York Giants have been at the center of trade rumors lately, with many speculating that they could make a move for quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy is a highly touted prospect who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Michigan, but has struggled with consistency.
With the Giants in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, could McCarthy be the answer? While it’s certainly possible, there are a number of factors to consider before making such a move.
First and foremost, McCarthy would likely come at a steep price. The Giants would likely have to part ways with a significant amount of draft capital in order to acquire him, which could hinder their ability to build a strong team around him.
Additionally, McCarthy’s inexperience at the NFL level could be a cause for concern. While he has shown promise in college, the jump to the professional level is a significant one, and there’s no guarantee that he will be able to replicate his success in the pros.
Ultimately, while McCarthy could potentially be a great addition to the Giants roster, the cost and risks associated with acquiring him may outweigh the potential benefits. It will be interesting to see how the Giants approach the quarterback position in the coming months, but for now, it seems unlikely that they will make a move for J.J. McCarthy.
As Sam Darnold has become the latest quarterback to bounce back after an underwhelming stretch, the Vikings have both enjoyed the benefits while finding themselves in a bit of a predicament from a long-term sense. As Darnold may be less likely to hit free agency due to the season he has put together, J.J. McCarthy continues his rehab from a summer knee injury.
Centering their offseason around finding a long-term quarterback to succeed Kirk Cousins, the Vikings both acquired a second first-round pick (from the Texans) and traded up one spot — without using that second first-rounder — for McCarthy at No. 10 overall. McCarthy has undergone two knee surgeries to address the meniscus tear he suffered during the preseason. While the Michigan alum recovers, the former No. 3 overall pick taking Minnesota’s snaps has been a revelation in Kevin O’Connell‘s offense.
Pegging McCarthy as a talent who could have been the top-rated QB prospect in the 2025 draft class, Schefter adds the Vikings could not only recoup a first-round pick in a trade but also collect additional assets. As our Ely Allen reminded Tuesday, evaluators are not viewing the ’25 group of QBs in the same way they assessed 2024’s. The supply-and-demand problem that grips the NFL annually at this position figures to be a bigger storyline in 2025 than it was in 2024.
This is still at the hypothetical stage, as it would effectively mean bailing on a high-end prospect one year into his career. But Darnold has changed the equation this season. His performance in O’Connell’s offense has driven the Vikes to 14-2 — their best record since a record-setting 1998 season — and it would be easier for the franchise to justify a second contract that perhaps it would another team who bets big on the ex-Jet, Panther and 49er in free agency. Throwing 35 touchdown passes, Darnold sits fifth in that category and fifth in passer rating. He checks in fourth in yards per attempt (8.2), though QBR slots him 13th. A robust free agent market would await, should the Vikings pass on franchise-tagging the 27-year-old arm.
Having already seen Darnold in O’Connell’s system, the Vikings could hope for more of the same due to the weaponry — perhaps beyond Aaron Jones, who is on a one-year deal — expected to remain in place in 2025. This would differ from another team sinking upper-middle-class — at the very least, given where Darnold’s trajectory now points — free agency money into Darnold, who would then be thrust into learning a new system and meshing with perhaps a less talented set of weapons.
A scenario in which Minnesota keeps Darnold — perhaps on the tag — but slots McCarthy behind him as a developmental option could also loom. That was the plan for 2024, as McCarthy was not expected to take over as the Vikings’ starter immediately. It was widely expected the former national championship-winning QB would take the reins at some point in 2024, but the way Darnold has played, it now would have seemed likely if McCarthy would have sat the full season had he stayed healthy.
The Vikings still figure to have a sense of McCarthy’s worth as a trade chip soon, though a commitment to Darnold would change the team’s roster blueprint. A tag would cost upwards of $40MM. McCarthy is on a rookie deal through at least the 2026 season; a Darnold tag or extension would change the math for a team that has Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson on top-market deals.
As the Vikings prepare for one of the biggest regular-season games in NFL history, their long-term QB plan will be of great interest around the NFL.
As the NFL offseason approaches, teams are already starting to consider their options for upgrading their quarterback position. One player who could potentially be on the move is Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy, a young and talented quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Vikings, but has also struggled with consistency.
Several teams are expected to call the Vikings to inquire about McCarthy’s availability. Teams in need of a quarterback upgrade, such as the Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers, could all be potential suitors for McCarthy. With his strong arm and impressive athleticism, McCarthy could be a valuable addition to any team looking to improve their quarterback situation.
It remains to be seen whether the Vikings will be willing to part ways with McCarthy, but with the right offer, they could be persuaded to make a deal. As the offseason progresses, keep an eye on which teams are showing interest in McCarthy and whether a trade ultimately materializes.
Jenny McCarthy was a co-host on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve for many years, but if you tune in for the 2025 New Year’s Eve speical, you’re not going to see her.
The 52-year-old television personality started co-hosting the special with Ryan Seacrest back in 2010 and she appeared in Times Square every year for nearly a decade.
Jenny finally decided to end her co-hosting duties in 2020.
Head inside to find out why…
She explained the decision back in October 2020, just one week after informing Ryan of her plans to leave the special. She said on Live! with Kelly and Ryan, “We’re shooting Masked Singer 3 in December and January and my son, who is now 17, said, ‘Can we please stay home this year?’ He’s going to be 18, he’s going to want nothing to do with me.”
Jenny continued, “But I got to say, it was the most wonderful time. Working with Ryan, it’s a dream. And we can’t say that about a lot of people in this business. He’s a dream. So I thank you. And I’m going to be so excited watching you from my sofa.”
Where Is Jenny McCarthy in 2025? Times Square Absence Explained, Including Why She Left New Year’s Eve Special
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve 2025, fans were left wondering: where is Jenny McCarthy? The beloved TV personality, known for co-hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square, was noticeably absent from this year’s broadcast.
Rumors quickly spread online, with some speculating that McCarthy had fallen ill or encountered a scheduling conflict. However, sources close to the star have revealed the real reason behind her absence: a desire to focus on her family and personal life.
In a statement released to Just Jared, McCarthy explained her decision to step away from the annual New Year’s Eve special. “After many years of ringing in the new year in Times Square, I felt it was time to take a break and spend more time with my loved ones,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful for the memories and experiences I have had hosting the show, but I felt it was important to prioritize my family and personal well-being.”
Despite her absence from this year’s broadcast, McCarthy assured fans that she is not retiring from television altogether. “I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities and projects in the coming year,” she said. “I am excited for what the future holds and grateful for the support of my fans.”
As we bid farewell to 2025 and look ahead to the new year, we wish Jenny McCarthy all the best in her future endeavors. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026 for the talented TV personality.
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