The Tennessee Titans might want to explore the intriguing opportunity of trading for JJ McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings. While the Vikings did just snag McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, his potential fit with the Titans is tantalizing enough to warrant the pursuit of such a trade.
Trevor Sikkema of PFF has even floated this scenario as part of his YouTube Mock Draft series. Now, let’s delve into what a possible trade deal could entail.
Proposed Trade:
- Minnesota Vikings Receive: Titans’ 2025 1st Round Pick, Defensive Tackle Jeffrey Simmons
- Tennessee Titans Receive: Quarterback JJ McCarthy, Vikings’ 2025 1st Round Pick
Why Tennessee Should Eye McCarthy:
As Bryan Callahan enters his second offseason as the Titans head coach, there’s an urgency in the air following a lackluster 2024 campaign. Evaluating the quarterback roster, Will Levis has delivered moments of brilliance, yet inconsistencies have peppered his performances. This isn’t the first time this conundrum has been analyzed this season.
Callahan, acknowledged for his quarterback coaching prowess with figures like Joe Burrow and Peyton Manning, likely seeks a signal-caller who mirrors these talents. The 2025 NFL Draft’s top quarterback prospects don’t seem to fit this mold adequately. Cam Ward is a robust pocket passer, but caution tends to surround his field vision and decision-making.
With Ward grading around the second round and Shedeur Sanders projected to make waves with the Las Vegas Raiders or in New York, it’s hard to envision him suiting up for the Titans.
Other quarterback prospects such as Drew Allar, Jalen Milroe, and Quinn Ewers appear more fit for late first-round or early second-round selections. Thus, Tennessee could either stick with Levis or draft one of these emerging talents in Round Two. Considering everything, using a top-five pick on Ward or Sanders seems unlikely.
Why a Vikings Move Could Make Sense:
The Vikings face a dilemma at quarterback, needing to decide between JJ McCarthy, Sam Darnold, or a combination of them for their future planning.
It’s tough to imagine Darnold opting to stay if he feels constantly overshadowed by McCarthy’s presence. Darnold might prefer a more defined role elsewhere, perhaps in New York, where starting opportunities could be more assured.
Alternatively, moving forward with McCarthy as the primary starter while trading Darnold, or allowing him to seek opportunities with another team, could be a strategic play for Minnesota. This move could secure elite first-round assets to further bolster their lineup in the upcoming draft.
This potential Tennessee-Minnesota trade could bolster both squads in their respective pursuits of rearranging their quarterback rosters to best fit their future ambitions.
