Vikings' J.J. McCarthy could still be traded before the NFL season

The Minnesota Vikings' patience may have run out. Signing Kyler Murray speaks volumes about how they truly feel about J.J. McCarthy, and it's hard to envision him being QB1 next season.

However, given how much they gave up to take him at No. 10 in 2024, it might take a big offer for them to even consider letting him go. Considering that, Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano believes the Los Angeles Rams might be willing to meet that asking price. 

In his latest column, he predicted the Rams would make a run at McCarthy as a long-term gamble behind Matthew Stafford and an immediate upgrade over Stetson Bennett, sending a 2026 second-round pick (No. 61) to Minnesota for the former Michigan star.

The Rams could take a chance on J.J. McCarthy

"He could benefit from learning under McVay on a loaded offensive team," Vacchiano argued. "And not only do the Rams need to start thinking about who their quarterback will be after 38-year-old Matthew Stafford is done, they have to be prepared if he breaks down this season."

This would certainly be a seamless transition for McCarthy. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was the Rams offensive coordinator under McVay for two years, so they run similar concepts and schemes.

Also, as much as O'Connell has a reputation for being a quarterback whisperer, his mentor is considered to have one of the sharpest offensive minds in the game. Granted, McCarthy didn't look good last season, but he's only played 10 games in the pros after limited college experience. 

Injuries might also be a concern, but the Rams have always been aggressive and haven't valued draft picks as much as they do high-upside players, so this move would certainly be in their ballpark. McCarthy may only need some more time on the sidelines and learning from a veteran to fulfill his true potential, and the physical tools are evident.

The Vikings might not be able to afford being patient with him, but that's not the case in Los Angeles. And even if the Vikings haven't truly given up on him, it'll be hard to rebuild trust between him and his coach after they rushed to sign Murray the second he was released.