The Minnesota Vikings are giving up on JJ McCarthy, so where will he land on his feet?
Let's not put the cart before the horse. The Vikings haven't made any sweeping declarations about the future of their 2024 1st-round pick, but the decision to roll with Kyler Murray as the starter this season -- before any preseason games are even played -- says it all.
We've seen the Vikings move on from players like Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones in recent years, so unless they've learned from the error of their ways, we have every reason to assume they will soon move on from McCarthy. And there are some teams that could rehab his value around the NFL.
These are our top 3 picks to do exactly that.
3 landing spots for JJ McCarthy if the Vikings move on in a hurry
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The obvious connection here is Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, and McCarthy's old head coach with the Michigan Wolverines. The two won a National Championship togteher with Michigan, and now Harbaugh could "rescue" his old starting QB and help him rehab his value a little bit.
If Harbaugh believes new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel can get McCarthy's confidence back up, then he should definitely consider making this trade.
The current backup to Justin Herbert, who has gotten banged up in recent years, is Trey Lance. The Chargers' willingness to bring Lance into the fold already shows their willingness to take on reclamation projects, and this one has direct personal ties to Harbaugh.
As we've seen with other quarterbacks trying to rehab their value, you don't have to necessarily get traded to the place that has the most obvious "need" at the position, but a place where you can truly grow as a player for a year or two and then cash in similar to what we've seen from players like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and others.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers has one foot out the door of the NFL at this point, and the Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a solidified plan for the future.
We'll see what guys like Will Howard and Drew Allar can show in the preseason, but until someone proves they can be "the guy" for the future, the Steelers are going to keep popping up in discussions like this.
And this is a chance for the first-ever McCarthy-McCarthy head coach/quarterback duo. Why not make a little history?
All kidding aside, the Steelers have the type of roster and head coach that could greatly benefit someone like McCarthy. Mike McCarthy was obviously instrumental early on in the careers of both Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, so perhaps he could get the best out of JJ McCarthy.
3. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are now in the market for a backup quarterback. JJ McCarthy is a Michigan man.
The only barrier seemingly standing in the way of this option is the obvious: The Vikings and Lions play in the same division. However, it wouldn't even be the first time these two teams struck a trade in recent years. Everyone remembers the TJ Hockenson deal. The Vikings also sent the Lions the selection that ended up being Jameson Williams in a trade during the 2022 NFL Draft.
It's not impossible.
With Teddy Bridgewater retiring, perhaps the timing is right for the Lions to call up the Vikings again about a trade. McCarthy would be able to learn from Jared Goff, be part of a really strong culture, and go back to Michigan where he's still undoubtedly beloved.
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