Potential Trade scenarios if Vikings decide to move JJM
For those that think it's time to move on. Here's some trade scenarios. I think we keep him through his rookie contract and see if he can develop.
"It’s becoming increasingly clear that not only has J.J. McCarthy had his title as the Minnesota Vikings‘ franchise quarterback stripped, but he’s also in increased danger of losing QB2 duties to Carson Wentz. The Vikings also have 2025 undrafted signee Max Brosmer on the roster, whom they remain optimistic about. That’s four quarterbacks, which is just one too many.
Of course, Brosmer seems like a prime candidate for the practice squad in that he likely wouldn’t be rostered by another team all season long. Yet, if McCarthy does slip to QB3, more and more reports suggest he’d then prefer to take his chances at climbing the depth chart elsewhere, with another NFL team.
If so, the Vikings may feel pressured to consider trade offers for the 23-year-old whom they made the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Even though McCarthy is still under contract through 2027, both sides could reach the determination that it’s best to move on.
All NFL rosters must be trimmed down to 53 players by Sunday, Aug. 30. As new general manager Nolan Teasley slices and dices his way through the roster, one decision he may have to make is pulling the trigger on the best trade offer for McCarthy. That’s what this exercise attempts to tackle.
Related: Minnesota Vikings’ New Front Office Now ‘Questioning’ Caleb Banks Draft Pick
Indianapolis Colts Trade Anthony Richardson + 2027 7th for J.J. McCarthy
Screw it. At this point, if Anthony Richardson can’t win the Indianapolis Colts‘ backup QB job, and McCarthy can’t win the backup job in Minnesota, then maybe it’s time for both to get a fresh start under a new coaching staff. Still just 24 years old, Richardson has started only 15 games since becoming the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But now he’s entering the final year of his contract. In this scenario, coach Kevin O’Connell, who issued praise on Richardson in the past, gets a year to work with Richardson before the QB’s contract lapses. But who knows, they both may decide to continue the partnership once the offseason arrives, knowing they could need each other in the near future.
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Baltimore Ravens Trade 2027 5th + 2028 6th for McCarthy
As Michigan’s defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2023, new Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter got a first-hand experience of what it’s like to go up against McCarthy. They also helped each other get a championship ring in college. While the Ravens are committed to two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson as their franchise quarterback, he’s only under contract through 2027 and has been reluctant to sign an extension. Consider McCarthy a short-term insurance policy who the head coach knows won’t bring any negative energy to his situation as a backup in development. The question here is what it would mean for Tyler Huntley and undrafted rookie free agent Joe Fagnano, but McCarthy has more potential than both.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Could Look to Replace All-Pro With Undrafted Rookie
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade Anthony Nelson + 2028 Fourth-Round Pick for McCarthy
With Baker Mayfield entering a contract year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be eager to start evaluating other quarterbacks while gauging their current starter’s eventual price point. Even if Mayfield intends to hit the open market when the offseason arrives, the Bucs would likely just franchise tag him before letting him walk free. That gives them two years to work with Mayfield, while also evaluating whether someone like McCarthy could eventually supplant him. He’d still be just 25 years old when the 2028 offseason arrives, but he too would be set for free agency at that point. Meanwhile, the Vikings don’t get a strong immediate return, but being able to secure a 2028 fourth-round pick is likely better than anything they expect to receive. Adding a 6-foot-7 outside linebacker like Anthony Nelson is just the cherry on top. The 29-year-old former Super Bowl champ has 107 games of experience, including seven sacks, an interception, and three forced fumbles across the past two seasons. Yet, to get a fourth-round pick, the Vikings would likely have to send a sixth or even a fifth-round pick back to Tampa Bay.
Related: Kyler Murray Has ‘Really, Really Surprised’ Justin Jefferson
Denver Broncos Trade Alex Forsyth + 2027 Fifth-Round Pick for McCarthy
The Denver Broncos still haven’t settled their backup quarterback situation. For now, it appears like Sam Ehlinger, a 2021 sixth-round pick, will win the job over Jarrett Stidham. Neither has as high a ceiling as the 23-year-old McCarthy. While it may be a bit awkward for the Broncos to have McCarthy and Bo Nix, two first-round picks from the same 2024 NFL Draft class, in the same QB room, their competitiveness could help get the best out of each other. Plus, Sean Payton and company undoubtedly did just as much homework on Nix as they did for McCarthy two offseasons ago; for all we know, the decision was close. Now they can get both. As for the Vikings, with Blake Brandel’s snapping being a bit shaky as of late, they add Alex Forsyth, a 27-year-old backup center who has played 34 games with six starts in the past two seasons plus a fifth-round pick as draft compensation.
Related: 5 Minnesota Vikings Bold Predictions for Friday’s Preseason Finale
Los Angeles Chargers Trade Bud Dupree + 2027 Sixth-Round Pick for McCarthy
After winning a championship together at Michigan, both McCarthy and coach Jim Harbaugh are now in the NFL. Only Harbaugh is coaching the Los Angeles Chargers, who already have franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Yet, the Chargers are still searching for Herbert’s backup. Harbaugh already believes in McCarthy as a person; does he think he can get the job done as an NFL QB too? It may be worth trading a sixth-round pick plus backup pass-rusher Bud Dupree just to find out. The Vikings are hunting for a third edge rusher, so the 33-year-old would be a welcome addition, even if he recorded just two sacks last season. The hope is he can come closer to his production in Atlanta in 2023 or in Tennessee in 2024, when he recorded 6.5 and six sacks per season.
Source: https://sportsnaut.com/nfl/jj-mccarthy-trade-packages-minnesota-vikings
The only one that is slightly intriguing is Anthony Richardson. Purely from the physical tools and his ability to hit the intermediate and deep throws in KOC's offense. Plus he's a major rushing threat.
Otherwise if all we're getting back is a Day 3 pick, we're better off keeping JJ McCarthy and hoping the light bulb goes off on his processing speed. Everything else is there. Most of his "accuracy" issues are being late to recognize guys who are NFL open.
If this article was in a newspaper, it wouldn’t be worthy of lining a bird cage with it.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Unless JJ raises a giant stink, he's not going anywhere in 2026 via a trade or being cut outright....even if he's QB3 as is being currently heavily rumored. This ankle injury might be the 'soft QB3 demotion' that KOC uses for JJ to save a little face....or not.
Now what happens after the season is over? Anyone's guess, but my money would be on McCarthy not being a Viking at some point next offseason.
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