A lot of people were picking the Minnesota Vikings to finish last in the NFC North this season — and that was before rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury prior to Week 1.
But Sam Darnold has taken over under center and guided the Vikings to a surprising 3-0 record, and now fans are thinking playoffs.
Darnold is playing by far the best football of his career, and he’s leading the NFL with eight touchdown passes while tapping into the potential some still felt he had even after six dismal seasons.
In fact, Mike Greenberg of ESPN Radio suggested that if Darnold continues to play well, perhaps the Vikings should trade McCarthy, and he implied that the New York Giants could be the destination for McCarthy.
If Sam Darnold has a great season, should the @Vikings trade JJ McCarthy (to the Giants)?@Espngreeny pic.twitter.com/I9xgBmi2BO
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) September 26, 2024
There were high expectations for Darnold when he was the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft out of the University of Southern California, but after three rough seasons as the New York Jets’ starter, he has mostly been a backup ever since.
On the other hand, he has never had weapons like star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison by his side.
Jefferson, arguably the best wideout in the league, has 273 yards and three touchdowns through three games, and seems to be back to normal after an injury-riddled 2023 season.
If the Vikings were to trade McCarthy to the Giants, Greenberg believes they could net a first-round draft pick in return.
Such a trade could also solve the Giants’ concerns at QB, where Daniel Jones, the No. 6 pick in 2019, has continued to be a disappointment.
New York finally has a legitimate weapon at wide receiver in rookie Malik Nabers, and perhaps he could form a nice tandem with McCarthy if Greenberg’s suggestion ever becomes a reality.
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