A Vikings-Rams trade for a clear J.J. McCarthy replacement that’s flying under the radar.
The Minnesota Vikings faced a major setback when J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending meniscus injury after his first preseason game. The No. 10 pick quickly shifted from a potential starter to a redshirt rookie, leaving Sam Darnold as the clear QB1 for the Vikings.
However, the Vikings appear to be managing well without McCarthy. Darnold is playing some of the best football of his career, leading the team to a 2-0 start, including a notable win against the San Francisco 49ers. Though it’s early in the season, Darnold is showing signs of revitalization after years as a backup, bringing valuable arm talent and precision to the post-Kirk Cousins Vikings.
That said, the Vikings could benefit from a more reliable backup. Two weeks is a small sample size, and their current alternative, Nick Mullens, struggled during his limited playing time last season. While Darnold is likely to hold the starting position throughout the season, the unpredictability of injuries in the NFL and Darnold’s own inconsistent history mean the Vikings shouldn’t rely solely on him.
Investing in a solid backup quarterback would be prudent, especially since McCarthy is expected to take over the starting role next season. A short-term veteran, particularly one familiar with Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, could provide valuable security.
The Los Angeles Rams, who currently have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, might be a good trade partner. Stetson Bennett has potential but could serve as a capable QB2 in a Sean McVay offense, which could make Jimmy Garoppolo a candidate for trade if the right offer arises.
A proposed trade could send Garoppolo to the Vikings in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. While Garoppolo’s reputation has suffered, particularly after being replaced by Aidan O’Connell as the Raiders’ starter last season, he has experience in the McVay and Shanahan systems that O’Connell utilizes. At 32, Garoppolo may not be the athlete he once was, but he can execute plays effectively with the Vikings’ talented roster.
Darnold’s performance in Minnesota highlights how different he looks compared to his time with the Panthers, benefiting from weapons like Justin Jefferson and a strong offensive line. Garoppolo would also thrive in this environment, though he’s been labeled a ‘game manager.’ His previous struggles with turnovers seem to be an outlier in his career.
As a backup in Minnesota, Garoppolo could be a solid fit. Meanwhile, the Rams would gain a draft pick and an opportunity to further develop Stetson Bennett as the future behind Matthew Stafford. This trade could prove beneficial for both teams.
