A former WWE star took a subtle dig at the company. She did so while reacting to a questionable picture.
Scarlett Bordeaux worked for the WWE for several years. However, she spent most of her time as the valet for her husband, Karrion Kross. Despite only competing in a few matches for the company, she was able to get over with the fans. After leaving the sports entertainment juggernaut, she and her husband have been working on the independent scene for various promotions.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
Recently, Shotzi took to social media to share a picture of herself spanking Gigi Dolin while other former WWE stars, Scarlett Bordeaux, Karrion Kross, Matt Riddle, and The Good Brothers celebrate as they look on. Scarlett reacted to the picture by taking a subtle dig at her former employer.
Corporate could be a WWE reference since the company doesn’t allow its talent to post such pictures on public platforms.
Scarlett Bordeaux opened up about her time in WWE
When Scarlett arrived in World Wrestling Entertainment, the company was looking to move away from the divas era into the women’s revolution. Therefore, women were being involved in serious storylines and matches. However, Scarlett’s gimmick was a throwback to the previous era.
“I think they were pushing the Women’s Revolution in the way they were. And my character was the exact opposite of that. It was a throwback. It was a parody, ‘Bring sexy back to wrestling.’ Because all the girls were trying to be serious like the guys. I’m like, ‘No, no. Like, let’s just be a hot chick. Like, bring back bra and panty matches.’ And no one was doing that at the time. No one had their a**es out, no one was doing it, and it pi**ed a lot of people off, including women in the business,” she said.
It remains to be seen what’s next for Scarlett and Karrion Kross.
Why did you not like this content?
Advertisement
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
The strategic advantage of the Hawkes family’s dual-state racing operation was clearly demonstrated at Flemington’s Finals Day meeting this past Saturday, where the father-and-sons training team clinched the $175,000 Taj Rossi Series Final with their impressive galloper, Marwooba.
The son of Wootton Bassett, conditioned by John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes, achieved a Listed victory over 1600 metres, building on a previous win at Rosehill on June 13.
This marked a successful return to Victoria for the gelding, who had been sent to Sydney after a disappointing last-place finish, 30 lengths off the winner, at Geelong in his seasonal debut. Wayne Hawkes commented on the benefit derived from the more favourable weather conditions in New South Wales during this time of year.
“He only got here yesterday and his coat looked amazing,” Hawkes, who supervises their Flemington stable, remarked. “The Sydney horses just look so much better than the Melbourne horses, just because of the weather. There’s nothing anyone could do about that, but he just got off the float and he had a pig-root and was pretty happy with himself.”
Advertisement
Marwooba capitalised on an economical run under the expert handling of Melbourne’s leading rider, Craig Williams, to finish ahead of the $2.70 favourite, Star Of Macedon.
Williams positioned Marwooba off the pace, found an opening down the centre of the straight midway, and unleashed a potent acceleration to forge a race-winning lead. The $3.20 second elect secured victory by half a length, with Ko Phangan ($7) finishing a further three-quarters of a length behind Star Of Macedon in third place.
The win secured Williams his second juvenile race victory of the day, having earlier guided the $2 favourite Stars Of Dom to win the $150,000 Next Generation Sprinters Series Final (1200m).
Hawkes indicated that the stable’s attention would now turn to the spring racing season with Marwooba. The Group 2 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on September 27 is a potential target, with a view towards the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney.
Advertisement
“We’re very happy to be here in the depths of winter winning a race in July, (he’ll go) back to Sydney and have three weeks off probably, then come back into work and he might end up in a Spring Champion (Stakes). There are plenty of options for him.”
With Marwooba’s spring targets in sight, punters can find competitive racing odds at various betting sites.
With 12 minutes of normal time remaining Egypt stood on the cusp of their greatest ever World Cup result.
The Pharaohs led Argentina, the reigning world champions, 2-0 in Atlanta Stadium.
A quarter-final spot – their first – beckoned for the football-mad African country.
Then it went wrong. Horribly wrong.
Advertisement
When Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, it was a case of Egypt digging in. But they looked panic-stricken when captain Lionel Messi – who else? – made it 2-2 four minutes later.
Enzo Fernandez then completed a remarkable turnaround with a header in the second minute of stoppage-time.
Egypt were down and out – and downright furious after the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out a second goal by Mostafa Zico for a foul after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for slightly stepping on Lisandro Martinez at the start of the move, when they were leading 1-0.
They were also adamant Mohamed Salah was fouled in Argentina’s penalty area, seconds before the reigning champions broke for the winner.
Advertisement
“There is so much inconsistency at the moment with VAR and decisions and how far you go back to pull a decision,” Egyptian football expert Ahmad Yousef told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“There was such a long distance that had gone by and the foul was so minimal so I completely understand why the Egyptian coaching staff and squad are so disappointed.”
When French referee Francois Letexier signalled full-time, many of Egypt’s players slumped to the floor in disbelief at what had just happened.
Salah swapped shirts with his former Liverpool team-mate Alexis MacAllister before walking off the pitch with his head bowed, while other players stood shaking their heads.
Advertisement
“There were so many subplots and stories to this game,” said former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who was in the ground working for BBC Radio 5 Live.
This match had everything – a penalty save, a disallowed goal, a red card as well as a thrilling comeback.
BBC Sport unpicks a game that will go down in World Cup history for featuring a team who were two goals down so late on, but who went on to win without needing extra time.
Jun 17, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) hits a single during the sixth inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
The Athletics activated shortstop Jacob Wilson from the injured list Tuesday while left-hander Jacob Lopez also was added to the active roster.
In corresponding moves, the club optioned catcher Brian Serven and right-hander Kade Morris to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Wilson, 24, has not played since June 26 because of right thumb inflammation. One season after Wilson was named an American League All-Star and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, he is batting .277 with four homers and 26 RBIs in 50 games. Wilson also has missed time with a shoulder injury this season.
Lopez, 28, is 4-3 with a 6.75 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts) for the A’s this season. In parts of four major league seasons, he is 12-10 with a 4.99 ERA in 41 appearances (29 starts) for the Tampa Bay Rays (2023-24) and A’s.
Advertisement
Serven, 31, has played one game for the A’s this season, his first major league action in two years. In parts of four seasons, he is a career .188 hitter with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 102 games for the Colorado Rockies (2022-23), Toronto Blue Jays (2024) and A’s.
Morris, 24, made his major league debut June 6 and went 0-1 with an 11.70 ERA over his first three appearances (one start).
FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi scripts history, surpasses Diego Maradona to become all-time assists leader as Argentina edge Egypt in R16 | Football News
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta. (AP Photo)
He already had the goals record. He already had the appearances record. On Tuesday night in Atlanta, Lionel Messi took the assists record too.After Argentina’s remarkable comeback win against Egypt in the Round of 16, Messi recorded his ninth career World Cup assist, giving him the most assists in World Cup history, surpassing Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who previously held the record with eight.The record-breaking assist arrived in the most dramatic of circumstances. Argentina were trailing Egypt 2-0 when Messi found Cristian Romero in the box, and the centre-back headed home to pull one back and begin one of the great World Cup comebacks. Messi then scored himself in the 83rd minute with a stunning volley from inside the box, before Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround in stoppage time. Argentina won 3-2, and Messi had touched the game in every way imaginable – record assist, crucial goal, match-winning influence.Messi’s ninth assist gives him the most in World Cup history, with the record previously shared between himself and Maradona at eight apiece.Croatia’s Ivan Perisic was trailing with six assists, but Croatia were eliminated by Portugal in the Round of 16, meaning the record now looks entirely safe.The numbers keep coming and they keep defying belief. Messi now has 12 career goal contributions in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, six goals and six assists, passing both Pelé and Kylian Mbappé for the most in the last 60 years on record. He has also become the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in eight consecutive appearances.Messi had reached 30 World Cup appearances across six tournaments, the most in history by any player, male or female, at a single World Cup.At 39 years of age. At his sixth and final World Cup. In a tournament with a larger field and longer travel map than any edition before it.Maradona set the assists record. Klose set the goals record. Marta held the overall scoring record. One by one, Messi has taken them all. The record books at this World Cup belong entirely to one man and on Tuesday night in Atlanta, he reminded the world exactly why.
Who predicted British wildcard Arthur Fery would be a Wimbledon quarter-finalist this year? Not even the man himself.
Fery, ranked 114th in the world, illustrated that when he explicitly mouthed his surprise after beating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the last 16.
Now the 23-year-old will aim to reach the semi-finals when he plays Italian ninth seed Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday.
Cobolli, 24, was the runner-up at last month’s French Open and, after becoming a Wimbledon quarter-finalist last year, has showed again he can excel on grass.
Advertisement
“Arthur still starts as the underdog given the difference in ranking and top-level experience,” said BBC Sport analyst Jamie Murray.
“But he has proven to be a great grass-court player and poses a lot of different questions to opponents.”
Before the Centre Court contest, BBC Sport examines how Fery could beat Cobolli and become only the fifth British man to reach the Wimbledon last four since 1968.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray walked off the field at SoFi Stadium after leading Arizona past the Los Angeles Rams in a road divisional matchup. On October 3, 2021, in Inglewood, Murray exited after the Cardinals defeated the Rams 37-20, giving Arizona a strong early-season NFC West statement against a familiar opponent. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Remember Patrick Peterson? The cornerback who stopped by the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons? He’s a former teammate of Kyler Murray, and for the most part, Peterson believes Murray will work out in Minnesota.
The Vikings signed Murray in March after the Arizona Cardinals kicked him out. Peterson thinks that’ll work out for Murray and the Vikings.
Peterson Sees a Clean Setup for Murray
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson walked onto the field before a preseason matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. On August 27, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri, Peterson prepared for action as Minnesota completed pregame work against an AFC opponent in one of the NFL’s loudest road environments. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports.
Peterson on Murray
Peterson recently chatted with D.J. Siddiqi and opened up about Murray: “I am happy for Kyler Murray for the situation that he’s in right now, how he’s going to be able to play with a top-five defense, how he’s going to be able to play with a consistent No. 1 receiver, how he’s going to have a balanced offense.”
Advertisement
“Everything is not really going to be upon his shoulders. I think he’s in a great, phenomenal situation now. I believe Murray will win the starting job just because he’s a proven quarterback. He’s a guy who’s a Pro Bowler in this league, a former first pick in this league, and we know those guys can hold on to that car for a long, long time.”
Peterson and Murray crossed paths in the desert for two seasons.
“J.J. McCarthy is a first-round pick as well, but the number one pick carries a little bit more weight, and I just feel like Kyler Murray is more proven,” Peterson added.
Advertisement
Best Situation to Date in His Career
Murray may also benefit from his best team setup to date. He’s never quite had a defense like Brian Flores’s; in addition, his new playmakers, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason, should make his job easy.
Peterson commented on that, too: “This is the best situation that he’s going to be in thus far throughout his career. In Arizona, we had solid teams, but we didn’t have teams that can win right now, and Minnesota has a team that can win right now. What they were missing last year was a quarterback. J.J. wasn’t healthy; they had to go through two other quarterbacks. Carson Wentz ended up getting hurt, and the other quarterback threw four interceptions in one game.”
“The defense was pretty much keeping them afloat. Now they just feel like they need a quarterback that’s going to be able to manage them, manage the game, put them in the best position possible, and Kyler Murray, in my opinion, picked the right team for that. Now it’s going to be upon him to be the best player that he can be to revitalize his career.”
Advertisement
If there’s a place for Murray to rekindle his career, it’s Minnesota. The situation is fantastic.
Just Follow the Blueprint of Sam Darnold?
Meanwhile, if Murray wants to find success, all he has to do is turn on some tape of the 2024 Vikings, led by Darnold.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray took the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field during a late-season NFC matchup. On December 31, 2023, in Philadelphia, Murray operated Arizona’s offense while facing a tough road setting and another chance to close the season with momentum before the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota finished 14-3 that season, with Darnold under center almost 100% of the time. Darnold fed his playmakers, let the defense do its thing, and closed out games in the 4th Quarter. Life was good — until Darnold vaporized in the season’s two most vital games: at Detroit in Week 18 and in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams.
Murray blasting off in Minnesota won’t be unprecedented, but if he does, the Vikings will have the opportunity to keep him, unlike letting Darnold walk in 2025.
Advertisement
Must Win the Battle First
Projecting Murray’s stats and success might be premature. Peterson appears to have already crowned him, but Murray must win the summer competition against McCarthy, who won’t go quietly into the night. Last offseason, the Vikings handed McCarthy the job without serious compeition, and a playoff-less season ensued. This time, they signed Murray, and he’s in town to battle McCarthy at training camp and in the preseason.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looked toward the field as the second quarter wound down during a road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. On September 26, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida, Murray took in the moment while Arizona maintained control in an early-season contest away from home. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports.
The odds suggest Murray will win handily — he’s a -770 monelyine favorite — but Minnesota has a vested interest in McCarthy succeeding, drafting him in 2024 as their sole solution at quarterback for the future. When training camp kicks off in three weeks, Murray must earn the QB1 job, and that process will likely take longer than a day or two.
Then, Murray must remain upright and healthy. Sadly, he’s missed about a quarter of all games in his career due to injury. He’s played a full season twice. If Murray gets hurt, McCarthy will be salivating to fill in and never relinquish the job.
Yet, if Murray plays all 17 games, Peterson believes he’ll stick in Minnesota.
Advertisement
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Inter Miami want to sign 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha after he was released by Portuguese second-division side Chaves. (Marca, external).
Chelsea are preparing to offer 18-year-old English midfielder Jesse Derry a new contract to fend off interest from Bayern Munich (Football Insider), external.
Newly-promoted Ipswich Town want to seal a club-record signing of 21-year-old Brazil forward Emersonn from Toulouse. (Give Me Sport), external.
Advertisement
Paris St-Germain have started talks to sign 24-year-old France midfielder Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco (RMC Sport, external).
Sam Snead was fond of golf but fonder still of fishing.
He played the former, he once said, so that he could earn enough to enjoy the latter. Lucky him. In the rural Virginia region where he was born and raised, both pursuits were within easy reach.
Worldwide renown awaited Snead, of course. But he retained his ties to the place where he got started: the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, an historic retreat tucked into the folds of the Allegheny Mountains. In his early 20s, he was hired as the head professional at the Cascades Course, one of the property’s two venerable layouts. It remained his home club throughout his life. In 1983, at age 71, he shot a course-record 60 that still stands.
If Snead were around today, he’d find the spirit of the resort familiar. The mountains haven’t moved. The trout still hold in the same cold streams. And the golf footprint is largely unchanged. But he would also notice an awful lot that’s new. Three years ago, the resort completed a $150 million-plus renovation, a top-to-bottom refresh that touched guest rooms, dining, the spa and the grounds themselves, without disturbing the bones of a luxe getaway that made it a destination in the first place.
Advertisement
Start with the golf. The Old Course’s first tee sits in the same spot it has occupied since 1892, longer than any other continuously operating first tee in America. It’s part of a layout later reworked by two Golden Age giants, William S. Flynn and Donald Ross. A short drive away, the Flynn-design Cascades unspools through the mountains, all compelling angles and elevation changes with a lofty reputation to match. It ranks 35th on GOLF’s list of Top 100 Courses You Can Play, making it the highest-rated public-access course in Virginia. Combined with the Old Course, it’s all the championship-caliber golf that you can ask for, classically designed, ideal for walking, and all the more alluring in the shoulder seasons. In springtime, as nature awakens from its slumber, the trees lining the fairways fill with birdsong. Come autumn, when the weather turns wonderfully crisp, foliage sets the area ablaze with color.
But just as golf was never the whole story for Snead, it’s not the only pull for visitors today. Outdoor activities abound, including guided fly fishing outings in the same waters where Snead loved to cast his line. The surrounding mountains that framed Snead’s boyhood are laced with hiking trails, now easier to access thanks to the resort’s post-renovation trail and outdoors program, offering everything from an easy morning leg-stretcher to a more ambitious ridge hike with stunning panoramas of the mountains. And after the exertion, there’s the spa, one of the oldest in the country, drawing on the same natural mineral springs that gave the surrounding town of Hot Springs its name and that have been pulling visitors, U.S. presidents among them, to this stretch of Virginia since long before Snead picked up a golf club.
That distinctive mix of outdoor adventure and stress-reducing relaxation is by design, in keeping with the theme of Omni’s prestigious and expanding golf portfolio. The Homestead is one of three Omni properties to earn a spot on GOLF’s list of Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, alongside Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin and Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, the new home of the PGA of America outside Dallas. Altogether, the the collection now spans nearly 30 courses across a dozen resorts nationwide, with designs from architects ranging from Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast to modern names like Tom Fazio, Gil Hanse, and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Like Slammin’ Sammy, people come for the golf and stay for more.
Advertisement
For a buddies’ group, that’s the pitch: an invigorating trip that quickens your pulse but lowers your blood pressure, an active escape that also gives you room to do nothing at all. Test yourself on the same courses where generations of golfers have played before you. Chase Snead’s course record on the Cascades, or at least tell yourself you have a shot. Then close out the day the way Snead might have, rod in hand, mountains going gold at dusk, trading fish stories for golf stories. No need to embellish. At the Omni Homestead, the holds up nicely on its own.
The USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle set a viewership record, drawing 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history.
The peak audience was 36.895 million, from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (9) kicks the ball past the United States’ Chris Richards (3) to score his team’s fourth goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
The USMNT unfortunately did not deliver for the massive audience, as their run came to a close in disheartening fashion. Despite Folarin Balogun’s suspension being overturned, the USMNT could not muster enough offense.
Belgium took advantage of the USMNT defensive mistakes, as Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match after a defensive breakdown gave Belgium an early lead.
Malik Tillman, who scored on a free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, worked his magic again on another free kick to tie the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute. Tillman’s shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the back of the net, sending the vociferous Seattle crowd into a frenzy.
Advertisement
The raucous cheers were short-lived, however, as De Ketelaere scored his second goal shortly after in the 33rd minute to put Belgium back on top, 2-1.
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Maddy Grassy/AP Photo)
The USMNT came out after halftime applying pressure to Belgium, but goalie Matt Freese made a critical mistake that dashed any hopes of a comeback. In the 57th minute, Freese came out of his net to challenge De Ketelaere on a through ball.
While Freese arrived first, he could not clear the ball as his foot got caught in the turf. Hans Vanaken seized the opportunity and booted the ball past Freese and a sprawling Tim Ream to give Belgium a 3-1 lead.
Advertisement
The USMNT had a couple of opportunities to add another tally and cut the deficit to one, but could not get on the board as they were stifled by Belgium’s defense.
The United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium during their World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Belgium substituted in superstar striker, Romelu Lukaku, and he put the exclamation point on the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the loss, the USMNT’s captured America’s heart and attention over the past few weeks, with the country’s support reflected in the historic ratings.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warmed up before kickoff at MetLife Stadium as Minnesota completed pregame routines before a late-season road matchup. On December 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, McCarthy worked through timing drills and footwork while the Vikings finalized offensive preparations inside a busy road stadium before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hasn’t even fully begun his competition with Kyler Murray, and the world has already lined up new employers for him, including trade ideas to the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets, among others. Now, one podcast host believes McCarthy would fit well in Denver.
The Broncos clearly have a QB1 in Bo Nix, but David Marshall’s theory suggests McCarthy could play QB2 in Denver rather than in Minnesota.
Minnesota Has No Reason to Rush a McCarthy Trade to DEN or Anywhere
A Denver Broncos helmet sat near the field at Empower Field at Mile High before Denver faced the Kansas City Chiefs in a late-season AFC West matchup. On January 5, 2025, in Denver, the helmet of defensive end John Franklin-Myers provided a clean pregame visual before kickoff as both teams finished final field work. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
Marshall: McCarthy to DEN Makes Sense
Marshall advanced the idea on the David Talks Broncos show last week: “McCarthy was kind of a disaster last year after his time at Michigan. You could see here at Michigan, National Champion, he’s got all the traits and tools you’re looking for, and you saw here during his time in the NFL.”
Advertisement
“He tore his ACL in 2024, so he didn’t get a lot of time to actually improve his game. He played in a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, and I think he’s got the brains to operate this offense with Sean Payton and Davis Webb.”
Denver’s QB2 at the moment is Jarrett Stidham, who started in the AFC Championship in January.
Marshall added, “He needs to fine-tune his mechanics, his footwork, and that’s where the Broncos do some of their best work. I think J.J. McCarthy in terms of not looking at him as a franchise quarterback because we’ve got that in Bo Nix, but as that franchise backup. That next guy that can be here for a few years.”
Advertisement
Why … Would McCarthy Leave QB2 Job in MIN for QB2 Job in DEN?
The idea from Marshall is predicated on McCarthy leaving the friendly confines of Minnesota — presumably as Murray’s backup — for Denver to presumably become Nix’s backup.
Immediately, the question becomes: Why on earth would he want that? McCarthy departing the Vikings in 2026 would probably have to come from his trade request, and it would be strange for him to sign off on a deal that shipped him to the Broncos. If McCarthy wants a real shot at QB1 action, he should either remain in Minnesota to see if Murray shows progress or force his way to a team like the Cardinals or Jets that realistically need a QB1 for the future.
Preferring Denver to Minnesota — swapping QB2 assignments for QB2 assignments — just doesn’t make sense for the 23-year-old.
Advertisement
Too Early for a Trade
Kevin O’Connell said in 2024 that organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations. Well, here we are.
If the Vikings were to trade McCarthy now, especially after selecting him as their franchise quarterback just two years ago, it would directly contradict their head coach’s previous warnings. The move would be particularly puzzling given the widespread enthusiasm for McCarthy as the team’s future in April 2024.
Discarding him before he has had a fair chance to develop seems premature. McCarthy’s professional career has faced significant hurdles. His early entry into the league, a rookie-year injury that led to benching, and a rocky 2025 performance all contributed to his inconsistent start.
Advertisement
Even if the Vikings believe Murray offers a better immediate solution for the 2026 season, it doesn’t necessitate McCarthy’s immediate departure.
Quarterback development is a lengthy process, and teams that rush it often regret their decisions. The Jets with Sam Darnold and the Cleveland Browns with Baker Mayfield serve as cautionary tales; both teams moved on too quickly, only to see those players succeed elsewhere. Minnesota risks falling into a similar trap.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw passes during pregame warm-ups at U.S. Bank Stadium as Minnesota prepared for a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, McCarthy went through his routine throwing session while fans and media monitored the young quarterback before kickoff inside the home venue before another NFC test. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Vikings aren’t obligated to declare McCarthy a superstar today; their priority should be avoiding a shortsighted decision.
Trading him now would essentially invite another franchise to “fix McCarthy.” Should another coach successfully develop him into a star, the Vikings would spend the next decade justifying how a 23-year-old former 1st-Round pick was let go without a development plan. You might recall the Vikings casting Darnold off last offseason and him winning a Super Bowl 11 months later.
Trade Price?
Advertisement
Pretend for a moment that McCarthy indeed requests a trade later this summer, possibly after losing the competition to Murray. Now might be the best time to sell, as the Vikings could realistically grab a mid-round pick. At worst, McCarthy would fetch a 5th-Rounder.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy dropped back and delivered a first-quarter throw at U.S. Bank Stadium as Minnesota faced the Green Bay Packers. On January 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, McCarthy operated within the structure of the offense while the Vikings sought early rhythm in a high-stakes divisional matchup against their longtime rival. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
On the whole, the likelihood of McCarthy leaving the Vikings is low. The team needs all the quarterback depth it can find after injuries to its quarterbacks killed the 2023 and 2025 campaigns.
But there’s always a chance that McCarthy personally asks for a change of scenery, and per Marshall, the Broncos shouldn’t be ruled out.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
You must be logged in to post a comment Login