The Vikings Could Have Competition to Trade Up for QB Prospects
Josh Frey
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One of the biggest question marks of this NFL offseason revolves around the Minnesota Vikings and their quarterback situation.
Kirk Cousins is set to enter free agency unless he and the Vikings commit to a contract extension before March 13th. As a result, Minnesota has widely been pegged as team who could draft a quarterback and potentially trade up in order to do so.
However, there are other teams who could be looking to do the exact same thing. In fact, the stretch of teams immediately behind the Vikings in the draft order could pose a serious threat. Particularly, the Denver Broncos have been a team reported to be interested in a top QB prospect.
Vikings Have Competition for Top QB Prospect
KFAN’s Paul Allen shared some thoughts on what he’s been hearing about the Denver Broncos and their interest in one QB prospect: J.J. McCarthy. Allen said this week, “There is just a little bit of steam that is beginning to emerge locally that Sean Payton loves J.J. McCarthy … [Payton] covets the next Drew Brees. So just keep that in mind, ya know, when you’re thinking 11.”
McCarthy has quickly been rising up draft boards this offseason, and Vikings fans have expressed a growing interest in the QB. There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, he is a very young player, turning 21 years old just a few weeks ago.
Because of his age, the Vikings reasonably could draft McCarthy in April while also re-signing Cousins to start for 2024, allowing the young QB to learn Kevin O’Connell’s offense for a year or two and then jump into the starting lineup.
The Broncos’ interest in a young quarterback is unsurprising. They are widely expected to release Russell Wilson this offseason after benching him down the stretch of the 2023 season. Currently, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are the only other QBs under contract for 2024 and likely need a new starter for next season.
McCarthy possesses a strong arm, and while his counting stats won’t blow anyone away from his time at Michigan, he came through with big plays when he needed to. On top of his passing ability, McCarthy also is a very mobile player at the position, capable of escaping pressure and picking up yards with his legs.
“If you’re thinking J.J. McCarthy at 11 just know behind you have the desperate [Payton] who basically will beg, borrow, and steal to get exactly what he wants from this draft from a QB standpoint. A pretty reliable individual informed me over the weekend that Payton is quite enamored with J.J. McCarthy,” Allen added.
Denver currently holds the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so in order to draft McCarthy, they would likely have to leapfrog both Minnesota and, potentially, the Atlanta Falcons in the draft.
The first round of the draft is slated to begin on April 25th.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.