The Super Bowl has concluded, and the Minnesota Vikings are ready to move on from the previous season”s controversies, particularly surrounding the fallout from the Sam Darnold situation. With the offseason entering its seventh week, new rumors are gaining traction regarding potential trades and player acquisitions.
Three significant rumors are circulating: a possible trade involving J.J. McCarthy, the status of Derek Carr, and interest in a cornerback linked to coach Brian Flores.
Potential J.J. McCarthy Trade
One prominent rumor suggests that the Vikings might trade J.J. McCarthy to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Kyler Murray. According to Bleacher Report”s Moton, this could be a strategic move for the Cardinals, who are likely to overhaul their quarterback lineup under new head coach Mike LaFleur. NFL Network”s Ian Rapoport indicated that the Cardinals are “likely” to part ways with Murray before his guaranteed money escalates.
Moton noted, “The Cardinals should call the Minnesota Vikings about a signal-caller swap to dump Murray”s contract and take on J.J. McCarthy”s rookie deal.” McCarthy, only in his third year, has a cap hit of about $6 million. The acquisition would allow Arizona to utilize Kirk Cousins as a replacement for Jacoby Brissett, who may not fit the new coaching staff”s vision.
This arrangement could establish a competitive atmosphere in Arizona, with McCarthy developing under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who has a history of success with top quarterbacks.
Derek Carr”s Possible Return
The second rumor revolves around Derek Carr, who is contemplating coming out of retirement. After a season away from the game, his name has resurfaced as teams face quarterback injuries. NFL.com reported that several franchises have contacted Carr to assess his availability for a comeback.
Specifically, the Cincinnati Bengals reached out to Carr following Joe Burrow”s injury. With limited free-agent options and uncertainty surrounding trades and the draft, Carr could be an attractive solution for the right team.
Carr previously started ten games for the New Orleans Saints, achieving a 15-touchdown to 5-interception ratio, which resulted in a balanced record of 5-5. Although the Saints still hold his rights, the amicable end to his tenure there suggests they might not demand an exorbitant price for his services.
Interest in Cornerback Jaylen Watson
Lastly, speculation surrounds the possibility of the Vikings signing Jaylen Watson, a cornerback from the Kansas City Chiefs. CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson expressed enthusiasm about Watson potentially joining Minnesota under Flores” guidance. Watson, selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft, has proven to be a valuable asset, although Kansas City is facing salary cap constraints that may impede their ability to retain him.
Watson”s performance has steadily improved, as evidenced by his Pro Football Focus grades over the past seasons. While many expect the Vikings to prioritize a cornerback in the draft, Watson could be a viable free-agent target if financial conditions permit.
In conclusion, the Vikings are actively engaging in discussions that could reshape their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans should stay tuned as these rumors develop.
