With JJ McCarthy gearing up for his “rookie” season, following a frustrating absence in 2024 due to a preseason knee injury, the Minnesota Vikings are faced with intriguing questions about his future with the team. McCarthy’s road back to health has been under the microscope, especially as the Vikings remain in the thick of Super Bowl contention. If he’s not fully ready to hit the ground running—considering the typical challenges associated with a rookie learning curve—Minnesota may need to explore other options at quarterback for the 2025 season.
McCarthy himself has expressed a desire for a genuine opportunity to compete for the starting role. If the Vikings aren’t willing to provide that chance, it’s conceivable that he could seek a fresh start elsewhere. One potential destination that has surfaced in conversations is the Cleveland Browns.
The Vikings closed out the past season with a stellar 14-3 record but faced a disappointing early exit in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. Sam Darnold stood under center, delivering a career-best performance by throwing for 4,564 yards and an impressive 36 touchdown passes while maintaining a 66.0% completion rate. However, with Darnold on a one-year deal and hitting free agency, the front office will have some key decisions to make. They must weigh the value of retaining a quarterback who has earned the locker room’s trust against the dynamics of free agency and a draft class that doesn’t boast elite quarterback talent.
After using a draft pick on McCarthy in 2024, the team appeared poised to build around him. Unfortunately, his torn meniscus sidelined him throughout the year, which opened the door for Darnold to seize the moment. While Darnold has thrived and solidified his spot, McCarthy’s potential remains tantalizing. Trading him could bring significant value and help the Vikings deepen their roster as they continue their playoff aspirations. However, trading away a promising quarterback fresh off an injury likely raises eyebrows—there’s uncertainty about McCarthy’s recovery and the impact of missing an entire rookie season. In the competitive landscape of the NFC North, the Vikings may not have the luxury of waiting for McCarthy to regain his form.
Now, shifting to the Browns, the quarterback situation there is proving to be equally tumultuous. With Deshaun Watson experiencing a setback in his recovery from an ACL injury, the Browns find themselves in a tight spot, needing to reassess their options under center. The team’s recent struggles have underscored their urgency to address the quarterback position, further complicating their Standing as they seek long-term stability.
There’s also an intriguing connection here: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings’ general manager, has ties to the Browns organization. Should the Vikings decide to move McCarthy, Cleveland could stand out as a prime candidate. McCarthy offers a mix of youth and upside that the Browns would dearly welcome, fostering a much-needed reset. Though McCarthy’s stint in the preseason before his injury featured just a single game—during which he threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns against one interception—it showcased the promise he brings to the table.
At Michigan, McCarthy displayed his prowess as a playmaker, finishing with 6,231 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. His vision on the field and ability to anticipate defensive schemes set him apart from many quarterbacks making their way into the league. Additionally, McCarthy’s knack for extending plays and executing throws on the run has already proven to be a game-changer for Michigan’s offense.
For the Browns, McCarthy could profile as an ideal fit within Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system, offering accuracy and adaptability—traits that could not only stabilize their quarterback situation but also elevate their entire offensive unit. As discussions heat up around the future of both franchises, keep an eye on this storyline; a trade involving McCarthy could have significant ripple effects across the league, shaping the strategies of two franchises in two very different contexts.
