The Los Angeles Rams may find themselves at a crossroads concerning their quarterback position in light of recent changes within the NFL. With Kirk Cousins expected to leave the Atlanta Falcons and possibly rejoining the Minnesota Vikings, speculation about the future of J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ current quarterback, is gaining traction. McCarthy struggled significantly last season, finishing last in several key metrics, which raises concerns about his viability as a long-term solution for Minnesota. The recent firing of Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, a prominent supporter of McCarthy, complicates matters even further.
Cousins had a successful run with the Vikings from 2018 to 2023 and is familiar with Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system. Should Cousins return to Minnesota, it could mark the end of McCarthy’s tenure there, bringing attention to the Rams’ need for a backup quarterback, which currently stands unfilled. If the Rams are feeling adventurous, they could consider trading for McCarthy, especially as the Vikings’ faith in him has diminished, potentially allowing the Rams to acquire him at a lower cost.
While McCarthy possesses certain deficiencies, there is potential for him to thrive under head coach Sean McVay. McVay’s experience in developing talent could enable McCarthy to target specific strengths and utilize his athleticism creatively in the Rams’ offense. The Rams have historically not employed a dual-threat passer, and McCarthy’s running ability could add a valuable dimension to their gameplay.
However, there are valid concerns about pursuing McCarthy. The struggles he faced last season raise questions about his capability to adapt to McVay’s air-heavy offensive scheme. Additionally, if starter Matthew Stafford stays healthy throughout the season, McCarthy would not see significant playing time, limiting the potential return on investment given his existing contract and injury history.
In light of these factors, the Rams may ultimately decide against pursuing McCarthy, opting to focus on safer options as they build for the future. The evolution of their quarterback lineup will remain a critical aspect to monitor as the offseason progresses.