Just two years after the Minnesota Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy, there are already discussions about trading him.

It’s wild that we are at this point. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is considered a quarterback whisperer, but McCarthy is the only one he hasn’t been able to elevate to the level many expected him to be at. McCarthy took over a phenomenal offense on paper, and, while winning six of 10 starts, he finished in the bottom 10 of multiple metrics that are very concerning.

Is it the right idea to trade McCarthy? Your mileage may vary, but it’s not an impossibility with new general manager Nolan Teasley.

J.J. McCarthy trade could net Shedeur Sanders

If the Vikings were to make a trade for McCarthy, why not get another quarterback to look at as a potential long-term starter? Why not Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns?

While Sanders is very much in the mix to start Week 1 for the Browns against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there’s also a world where he isn’t on the roster to open the season, and the outcome would have to be due to a trade. We know Deshaun Watson is going to be on the roster, as well as sixth-round pick Taylen Green. Dillon Gabriel and Sanders are battling for one spot on the depth chart, theoretically, even if Sanders is competing for the starting spot.

If Sanders is not the starter and the Browns don’t believe he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, trading him elsewhere should be on the table. Sanders is a heavily popular player no matter what he’s done on the field to this point in his NFL career. There’s always going to be noise for him to be the starter in Cleveland until he flat-out proves he can’t be the guy.

The Browns’ potential flipping of Sanders for McCarthy would be a move they make if they believe there’s a better chance the former national champion can be a starter in the NFL. One is a former first-round pick and one is a former fifth-round pick. Another reason the Browns potentially move Sanders in the end would depend on getting a plus return on what was a fifth-round pick.

McCarthy has had a bunch of injury issues early in his career, and then inconsistent play when he is on the field. Sometimes a fresh start is needed to boost an NFL player’s career, and it could be the case for McCarthy. I think the Browns should at least consider such a move, depending on what their true internal feeling is on Sanders following training camp/a decision on a starter being made.

It would make sense for the Vikings as well, giving Kyler Murray the runway to be the unquestioned starter without having to look over his shoulder. It also gives Sanders the ability to truly sit back and develop, something that McCarthy didn’t get enough of due to his torn meniscus during his rookie year.

A trade that could benefit both teams is ideal, but is it likely? Probably not. It’s still good to explore potential options, especially in the month of July.