Could An NFC Team Take A Chance on J.J. McCarthy?

With Kyler Murray set to debut for the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday against the New York Giants, the competition is over and Murray is the starter. The question becomes will J.J. McCarthy want out of Minnesota? Following the announcement, McCarthy stated he wanted to stick with Minnesota and it is where he wants to be.

The good news for McCarthy is there will be suitors for his services. First round quarterbacks stick around the league. They might not start, but players like Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones continue to find work. McCarthy will have teams interested. 

For now, McCarthy will have to accept a backup role. The first team that comes to mind is the Los Angeles Chargers given who their head coach is. Could the Pittsburgh Steelers be interested in McCarthy? Drew Allar looked great in his first preseason action. 

What if the San Francisco 49ers called Minnesota?

First, the Vikings were linked to the 49ers as a suitor for Jones, who is the current 49ers backup. Minnesota decided to ink Murray to a one-year deal. Kyle Shanahan has a reputation of lifting quarterbacks. Think Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, and even Sam Darnold, who only played one game as a 49er.

The current quarterback room for the 49ers is Brock Purdy, Jones, Kurtis Rourke, and Adrian Martinez.

Rourke is dealing with a rib issue currently, but projects as the 49ers future backup. Jones is likely on his way out given his expiring contract. McCarthy could be the latest recipient of the Kyle Shanahan stimulus package.

K. Joudry of Vikings territory listed the 49ers as one of three teams to monitor. 

"Kyle Shanahan would figure it out. He’s a terrific coach, somebody who has proven far more than Kevin O’Connell. Going to San Francisco would mean being the QB3 for the upcoming season behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. Soaking up wisdom from more accomplished veterans away from the spotlight would be a nice outcome. Next year, Jones likely lands somewhere to battle for a top job as McCarthy can then burn off the final season of his rookie deal as the main backup.

Working under Shanahan would do wonders for the kid. San Francisco knows how to run."

It is an interesting thought. The Rourke injury could open the door and what if a Jones for McCarthy swap could be in the cards next?