As MIN’s QB1 Plan Fizzles, Look for the NFL Rumors to Start Uplifting Specific Trade Ideas
Set Kirk Cousins — the gift that keeps on giving — aside for a moment. So, too, should we overlook my actual belief: that J.J. McCarthy will one day become a strong QB1 in the NFL.
Instead, shift over to the NFL rumors that are sure to ignite if the Vikings continue tumbling. Finishing off the year with a record somewhere around 7-10 would mean missing the playoffs. Various players would be shown the door to balance the books and a promising pick would be incoming. But while a quarterback could get drafted, more likely is that Minnesota explores the trade market in search of a promising passer to take over.
The NFL Rumors that Will Arrive if J.J. McCarthy Keeps Struggling
Sam Darnold did well.
There was physical talent. That’s the first step. But then there were other ingredients within the alchemy taking place: the interplay between youth and experience. McCarthy has so much youth that he doesn’t have much experience. The same cannot be said of Mr. Darnold, someone who is still only 28 and who is now in his eighth NFL season.
Could Minnesota seek to thread the needle next offseason with someone who possesses similar attributes? Think quarterbacks who aren’t working out in their current location. Think quarterbacks who nevertheless possess youth, talent, experience, and a history of being chosen very high. Oh, and ones who may welcome a second chance.
Consider, for instance, Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The 26-year-old quarterback stands at 6’6″ and weighs 220 pounds. Chosen at No. 1 in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence has had an up-and-down career. As a sophomore, Lawrence secured a Pro Bowl honor alongside finishing at 7th in MVP voting. He did so behind 66.3% passing for 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.
Most recently, Lawrence has been playing humdrum football. The completion rate comes in at just 59.8%, which isn’t very good. His 11 touchdowns stand alongside 8 interceptions. The 2,151 yards are tied for 15th in the NFL, the definition of average.
But then there’s the context of being the top passer with the Jaguars. What could he do with Kevin O’Connell calling the shots? The head coach has struggled to adjust to his sophomore passer while the sophomore passer has struggled to adjust to him. Would the same be true of a Lawrence/O’Connell marriage?
Doesn’t hurt that the quarterback with luscious locks would be throwing the pigskin Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and so on.
Trevor Lawrence agreed to a five-year, $275 million deal back in 2024. A hearty portion of that would stay behind on Jacksonville’s cap. The trade rumors have previously gotten so hot that even the league website took on the matter.
One then thinks of Kyler Murray. He, too, was a No. 1 selection who possesses talent aplenty (but without the impressive build). He is 28 and has generated discussion about his place with the Cardinals.
Continuing to employ Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator makes the possibly difficult, but one wonders about Tua Tagovailoa (the No. 5 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft). What of Justin Fields (the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft)? Like Murray, he has been connected to the Vikings in the past.
I wouldn’t hold my breath on these passers becoming available, but there’s Bryce Young (the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft), C.J. Stroud (the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft), and Anthony Richardson (the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft) who could shake loose.
One even wonders about Mac Jones (No. 15 in 2021), someone who has previously been linked to the Vikings via trade.
Again, my belief: J.J. McCarthy will one day justify sitting on the Vikings’ QB1 throne. He’s currently holding onto the job title even though he doesn’t deserve it. In time, he’ll deserve it, becoming someone who propels the Vikings toward wins rather than being someone who hinders victories.
J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings take on the Packers at Lambeau in Week 12.
