Vikings projected to trade up for Michigan football QB J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings lost their franchise quarterback on Monday to the Atlanta Falcons, which makes them a prime candidate to trade up for Michigan football QB J.J. McCarthy.

Plenty of people connecting the former Michigan football quarterback with the Vikings, who have a glaring need at quarterback, but otherwise, a solid roster. The Vikings signed former Packers running back Aaron Jones on Tuesday morning, but need to find a signal-caller.

According to a mock draft released by The Athletic, that quarterback could be Michigan football legend J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings have the No. 11 overall pick, but the mock draft includes a trade up to No. 5 with the Chargers to take McCarthy.

NFL teams will have a bidding war for J.J. McCarthy

If the Bears and Redskins select Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, teams will be duking it out to draft McCarthy and Drake Maye. The Patriots have the No. 3 pick and CBS Sports projected them to select McCarthy but the Giants, Seahawks, Raiders, Broncos, and Vikings all have needs at the position too.

Of course, to trade up, a team has to find a willing partner. New England will be the inflection point. The Patriots haven’t replaced Tom Brady and need a franchise quarterback. Being at No. 3, in a strong draft class, it’s hard to see them passing on a quarterback like McCarthy or Drake Maye.

New England had success with one former Michigan football quarterback. Why not take another? At the very least, the Patriots could trade down with a team that wants McCarthy. So while the idea of Minnesota taking him at five makes sense, it feels too low.

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