Ex-Vikings GM claims the team will ‘overpay’ for JJ McCarthy amid QB crisis after Kirk Cousins’ exit

JJ McCarthy might get drafted by the Minnesota Vikings on 25th April.

Ex-Vikings GM claims the team will ‘overpay’ for JJ McCarthy amid QB crisis after Kirk Cousins’ exit

JJ McCarthy and Rick Spielman (Via Imago)

The 2024 NFL draft is in less than three weeks and the teams are rolling their sleeves to get the best prospects. Among the numerous college-level talents, quarterback Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye are expected to hit the top three drafts. In addition, the National Championship winner JJ McCarthy can also get some attention.

On the other hand, multiple teams are suffering from a quarterback crisis at this moment. They are waiting for the draft season to get the best talents. The Minnesota Vikings are one of those teams who can go for a top-notch college-level quarterback.

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After the departure of Kirk Cousins, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold. However, the former No. 3 pick is not the one whom they can rely on. In the last two seasons, Darnold spent most of his time on the bench. He can be a good backup quarterback, but not the starter.

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This situation of the Vikings can lead them to come close to the national champion JJ McCarthy, believes the former general manager of the team Rick Spielman. In his interview with CBS Sports, the GM said that the team would overpay for the college-level quarterback. 

They’re (the Vikings) going to have to give (picks 11 and 23) and their 2025 first, plus some more draft capital. I think J.J. will be a good pro, but Minnesota will overpay to get him. At this point, they don’t have a choice (given their current QB room).
Rick Spielman said on CBS’ With the First Pick podcast

JJ McCarthy can become the long-term solution for the Vikings

Spielman is not the only one who believes the Vikings will go for JJ McCarthy. Journalist Field Yates of ESPN also claimed that the team would go for McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy with Jim Harbaugh
JJ McCarthy with Jim Harbaugh (Via Imago)

There’s no denying that Kirk Cousins had a great impact on the Vikings team in his six-year tenure. Despite getting injured last season and not continuing the complete season, the quarterback had insane stats. Hence, to fulfill his gap, the team will go for a long-term solution and Yates believes the Michigan QB has the potential to fulfill that. 

Minnesota would be betting on McCarthy’s combination of very good ball placement and mobility helping him become its long-term answer, with Sam Darnold in tow for 2024 if McCarthy needs time to get his feet wet--The supporting cast in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and an elite offensive tackle duo give him a shot for serious early success.
Yates wrote in his NFL Mock Draft piece

McCarthy was considered a bit laggard in comparison to his other colleagues, like Williams and Drake Maye. Multiple analysts raised flags over his throwing ability. It is to be seen whether the QB gets drafted by the Vikings or finds home at some other team.

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