The NFL is taking notice of a daring trade proposal as the Minnesota Vikings get ready for a new era with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In an aggressive move to pressure McCarthy and spark competition in the quarterback room, analysts and insiders are advising the Vikings to think about trading backup quarterback Sam Howell and a mid-round draft pick for a proven veteran signal-caller who costs $34 million.
Originally viewed as a competent backup with starting experience, Sam Howell was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this summer. Nonetheless, some leaguers think the Vikings would gain more by signing a seasoned quarterback with postseason experience to mentor McCarthy and pose a serious threat.
He is anticipated to guide the team into a new era once Kirk Cousins leaves.
A veteran quarterback with a bloated contract who is currently on the trade block—names like Ryan Tannehill, Jimmy Garoppolo, or even Derek Carr have been floated—would probably be the target of the proposed trade. The goal is to use competition to put pressure on McCarthy and advance his development curve rather than to replace him.
Iron sharpens iron, according to NFL pundits, and the organization might be able to avoid depending entirely on the hope that McCarthy would be ready from day one by acquiring a costly, seasoned quarterback. Additionally, a dual-QB strategy would shield the Vikings from a disastrous rookie transition, which has already ruined good teams.
Opponents of the plan argue that it is too dangerous for a team going through a transition to forgo Howell and draft money for a pricey, elderly quarterback. Supporters, however, argue that the Vikings cannot afford to wait a year for McCarthy to establish himself because they have a developing core on both sides of the ball.
Though sources inside the building maintain that “everything is on the table” as the organization looks to develop around McCarthy without piling too much on his plate too quickly, head coach Kevin O’Connell has not yet commented on the notion.
The need to act quickly says a lot, regardless of whether this trade happens or not. It’s obvious that the Vikings want to speed up their rebuild—and adding a $34 million veteran quarterback might be the insurance that keeps the fire going or the spark that ignites it.
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