The Minnesota Vikings may already be ready to move on from J.J. McCarthy after only three years, and one possible landing spot has already surfaced.
McCarthy’s stint in Minnesota has not gone the way anyone expected. He missed his rookie season because of an injury, then in his first full year as a starter he did not meet expectations and also struggled to stay healthy. With the Vikings having replaced him with Kyler Murray and also carrying a proven veteran in Carson Wentz, there is now a real chance McCarthy might not even be QB2 this season.
One team that could take a swing is the Los Angeles Chargers. As Knox explained, “The Los Angeles Chargers are one team that might be willing to take a chance on McCarthy.
L.A. has its starting quarterback in Justin Herbert, but it has a less-experienced backup in Trey Lance, who is also on a one-year deal,” Knox explained. “Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was McCarthy's coach at Michigan, and he could be interested in developing his former starter as a long-term backup in L.A.”
Harbaugh stayed behind McCarthy during the pre-draft process and even said he was the best quarterback in the class.
The Chargers already have Justin Herbert locked in as their starter, so bringing in McCarthy would not threaten that setup. Instead, he could be developed as a backup for a couple of years before the team either flips him or lets him walk.
Trey Lance has more backup experience, but McCarthy still offers more upside and potential right now. Los Angeles could also explore moving Lance to another quarterback-needy team.
If Minnesota is willing to take a modest return just to clear the distraction, the fit could make sense for everyone involved. McCarthy needs a place where he can actually play, since his lack of experience remains one of the biggest concerns around him. But with the injury issues and uneven results already piling up, a return to his college coach might be the kind of reset that gives him the patience and support he needs.
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