🏈 Vikings to Trade for Former Super Bowl QB to Join J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings are fully committed to J.J. McCarthy, choosing not to sign a veteran quarterback to support the 22-year-old as he begins his first season as the starter.

Although the Vikings acquired Sam Howell in a Day 3 pick-swap with the Seattle Seahawks, Howell’s lackluster NFL track record positions him as merely a temporary starter who could keep the team competitive if McCarthy is sidelined briefly.

However, relying on Howell as a long-term backup isn’t ideal for the Vikings, who have invested over $300 million in new contracts, bolstering their roster with Pro Bowl talent on both lines to create a win-now team.

Securing a more reliable backup for McCarthy should be a priority, and a former Super Bowl MVP has emerged as a potential trade target.

On July 16, Heavy.com’s Max Dible suggested the Vikings pursue a trade for Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco, a move Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder also recommended for the Browns to gain draft capital.

Dible noted that Minnesota could offer a Day-3 pick for Flacco, a valuable asset for a quarterback Cleveland may not need this season and is unlikely to retain beyond 2025.

The Browns face uncertainty at quarterback, with Flacco and Kenny Pickett competing for the starting role, which coach Kevin Stefanski has declared open before training camp, while rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders remain in the mix.

None of Cleveland’s quarterbacks seem ready to lead a Super Bowl charge, but Flacco could serve as a strong veteran backup for Minnesota, offering a better chance at a playoff run, similar to Nick Foles, than Howell if McCarthy is unavailable.

Flacco’s 2023 Comeback Player of the Year award, earned after winning four of five starts to secure a playoff spot for Cleveland, highlights his value.

Meanwhile, the Browns could benefit from giving their rookies extended opportunities. Success from Sanders or Gabriel could solidify their quarterback position, while a poor performance might position them for a top-five draft pick to address the role next year.