The buzz around what the future looks like for the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback spot is picking up with the rumors for Aaron Rodgers.
This complicates things for their first round 2024 NFL Draft pick in JJ McCarthy.
The Minnesota Vikings Trade JJ McCarthy to the Miami Dolphins
For the Vikings, their championship window is now, and while McCarthy is talented, missing his entire rookie season will cause him to have to start developing next season, and with that comes “rookie” errors.
McCarthy will be an interesting trade target due to his pro-ready skills. McCarthy finished college with 6231 yards and 48 touchdowns over 481 completions with just 11 interceptions during that time. McCarthy reads defenses well and is able to anticipate throws extremely well, navigate the pocket the extend plays, and throw on the run outside of the pocket as well. McCarthy has great leadership skills, and for a team like the Miami Dolphins, he’d be ideal.
Tua Tagovailoa has been good for Miami, but it’s clear changes are needed as they’ve reached their ceiling with him. Tagovailoa has performed great against bad teams, but when it comes to facing a top team in a meaningful game, he can’t play consistently. When it comes to having to make a big play, Tagovailoa has struggled, as when he’s asked to make a big play throwing down field, his throws get more reckless and of his seven interceptions this season, six have come from 10 or more yards down the field.
With McCarthy they’d be getting a more efficient quarterback that they wouldn’t have to worry about sporadic play. McCarthy is also a bit more mobile than Tagovailoa to make plays outside the pocket and throw accurately off-platform. If the Dolphins want to advance their offense, McCarthy is the way to do so. For the Vikings, they can get draft capital in return to continue building on their strong team and around Sam Darnold.