J.J. McCarthy has struggled in his first season as a full-time starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. He has dealt with injuries, but even when he has played, he hasn’t lived up to his expectations. This has one analyst proposing a blockbuster trade for a former first-rounder to shake things up.
J.J. McCarthy’s Struggles Spark Vikings Trade Rumors
McCarthy has been unimpressive in five starts for the Vikings, totaling just six passing touchdowns and eight interceptions on his way to a 2-3 record. This creates speculation about his status as their long-term solution at the quarterback position.
Chris Broussard recently appeared on an episode of “First Things First” and proposed a potential trade to give the Vikings an alternative option. He urged them to consider acquiring a former first-round pick that has recently resurrected his career outlook.
“I’m going to propose something… and I don’t know if the 49ers would do it… J.J. McCarthy for Mac Jones. If I’m Kevin O’Connell, I am proposing that. I am calling Kyle Shanahan this summer. I’m thinking about it as I continue to watch J.J. this year. If he continues to play poorly, I will think about seeing if I can get Mac Jones,” stated Broussard.
Mac Jones ultimately failed to secure a long-term deal with the New England Patriots when he was unable to meet the expectations of being a top quarterback prospect. He has been serving as a backup for multiple teams since then, but received an opportunity to start for the San Francisco 49ers when Brock Purdy suffered an injury.
He was excellent filling in and currently ranks 11th among all quarterbacks on PFSN’s Impact Rankings for this year. The 49ers have turned back to Purdy now that he’s recovered from his injury, so Jones may be available via trade during the upcoming offseason.
Broussard believes that the Vikings should consider swapping McCarthy and draft picks for Jones in an interesting trade proposal. Jones could theoretically replace him as their starter for next year, while the 49ers could develop McCarthy behind Purdy.
This would take some of the pressure off McCarthy to perform immediately, as he has severely struggled as a starter. He has not finished among the top 20 weekly quarterbacks in any of his five starts so far with the Vikings this year. The Vikings may be seeking other options next season amid his struggles, and with Jones potentially available, the 49ers may be able to provide one.
True. But to be fair Darnold was a gamble too.
And they let Darnold go. They bet everything on a player who had not taken a single NFL snap. WTF?