Kevin O'Connell said there isn't a starter, but that feels like a lie
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell joined PFT with Mike Florio and Chris Simms at the NFL Owners meetings and refused to name a starter, instead saying the depth chart will be organized when it is time to. Forgive me if I find that hard to believe, but you can understand why O'Connell would leave the door open for anyone. Ok, maybe not Carson Wentz, but Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy for sure.
Let's assume that Murray is the starter in Week 1. Could the Vikings look to move McCarthy? Two teams could be trade partners for Minnesota.
New York Jets
The move to bring back Geno Smith doesn't move me. The Jets have been connected to Ty Simpson in the draft, also. His sudden draft stock surge feels like a plan from his representation, with the backing of NFL insiders looking to keep their access. Simpson could turn out to be a fine NFL starter. I'll bet against it.
Yes, McCarthy hasn't shown much as a starter, but the Jets could look to buy low and try to develop the former Michigan quarterback. The Jets have formidable weapons in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, and will add more in the draft. You have to consider the Jets' front office and their ability to make moves that confuse some, but make sense to them.
Bring in Geno Smith, draft Simpson, and trade for McCarthy. That feels like the Jets.
Philadelphia Eagles
Now, before you dismiss this notion, consider this: the recent Jalen Hurts reports are damaging, and one has to wonder whether the relationship is souring between the two sides. The latest report from Jeremy Fowler feels as if it has been placed by either Howie Roseman or A.J. Brown, but it does make it seem like Philadelphia may hesitate to pay Hurts again.
The Eagles have shown themselves to be forward-thinking. The example of selecting Hurts in the second round while they had a starter pops into my mind. Roseman feels like the perfect GM to prepare a package for McCarthy as a buy-low, redemption project.
The structure of the Eagles organization might be just what McCarthy needs, and Philadelphia could cash in. Tanner McKee is the current backup, but McCarthy offers more upside as a backup with eyes on becoming the eventual starter if Philadelphia allows Hurts to walk.
Minnesota should explore its options to recoup something for McCarthy if they are truly out on him.