From one shade of purple to another?
Week 18 is upon us, and Minnesota has a chance to finish this season on a high note with a win over Green Bay. While rumors and discussions have begun with the possible departure of Brian Flores for another organization, a new rumor has started with Lamar Jackson moving from Baltimore to Minnesota, with J.J. McCarthy involved.
Mike Sando of the Athletic has kicked off the rumor mill with a proposed trade between Minnesota and Baltimore.
“The Baltimore Sun suggested Jackson would like to play for the Dolphins, whose stadium is 47 miles south of where Jackson graduated high school. The agent loved Minnesota as an under-the-radar destination.”
“The Vikings would send J.J. McCarthy to Baltimore as part of the deal, giving both QBs a fresh start. Jackson on artificial turf, in a dome? Look out. McCarthy with a Harbaugh? Worked well at Michigan, where his coach was Jim, not John.”
“The Ravens, long rooted in the draft, could put the extra draft picks to use wisely (they drafted Jackson at No. 32, after all). Minnesota, stung by the success Vikings alums Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones enjoyed this season while McCarthy faltered, would recover in spectacular fashion, changing the dynamics of the NFC North.”
While it has been a down season for Jackson, betting on a bounce back from the former MVP would push the Vikings into the Super Bowl discussion. Sando compared the potential deal to the Lakers move for Luka Doncic.
An agent told Sando in the same piece, “Lamar being traded could be similar to the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Dončić. The Mavericks were complaining about Luka’s toughness, taking care of his body, work ethic.”
“Luka gets moved, he loses all that weight, he gets in great shape, and he’s got a new lease on life. Lamar might be the same. If Lamar were to be put on the block even quietly, and you are a team that is not established at quarterback, do whatever it takes.”
It's not even the offseason, but rumors have started about Jackson and Joe Burrow. McCarthy has shown signs of improvement at the end of 2025, but the idea of a top-flight quarterback taking over could be the springboard for a potential Super Bowl run with the current roster and head coach.
The hot stove has just warmed up. The offseason will bring only more trade proposals and discussions for the Vikings.