The Vikings have a new QB, so outlets like ESPN wonder if the Chargers won't look at J.J. McCarthy as a backup.
That was just silly summer talk, of course, used to fill some of the quiet parts of the NFL calendar and nothing more. And yet, here comes a mention of it again, jokingly, and in the busy part of the NFL offseason, roughly one week into NFL free agency.
As Chargers fans can probably guess, it’s a talking head joking about the idea in response to some recent Minnesota Vikings news and a guy by the name of Kyler Murray.During the NFL free agency chaos, the Vikings linked up with former Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray, which had some obvious implications for the future of one J.J. McCarthy."So, you know, if I'm Minnesota, I wouldn't give up on him because he's only started 10 games. He's 23. But if they're like looking for a clean break here, the Chargers need a backup quarterback. And if you're J.J. McCarthy, why not go with the guy that you want to title with." Look, the Chargers somehow landing McCarthy as a backup behind Justin Herbert, developing him, and eventually trading for a high return in a quarterback-starved NFL isn’t the most horrendousMcCarthy is still on a rookie deal, too. He has a cap hit that maxes out in the $7 million range each year through 2027. The Chargers just re-signed Trey Lance on a contract worth up to $6.5 million, so it’s not exactly out of their price range. Still, the Chargers have Lance. McCarthy wasn’t very good last year, either, completing less than 60 percent of his passes on the season and prompting the Vikings to go get another insurance policy at the position in the first place. Never mind, too, the silly narratives that would never stop if the Chargers made it happen. Clearly, can’t forget that. Quietly, the Chargers have one of the better backup situations in the NFL right now with Lance and zero desire to change that. But expect this sort of stuff all summer, regardless, now that McCarthy appears to be on the hot seat.Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.Bo Nix Tells Albert Breer About Why the Broncos ‘Didn’t Flinch’ in 11th Straight Win
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ranking Los Angeles Chargers’ Top 4 Free Agency Moves So Far, from Best to GoodThere's been more good than bad when it comes to the Chargers' 2026 offseason to date.
Read more »
Chargers Updated Depth Chart and Initial Grade After Signing Hulking Veteran LinemanThe Chargers decided to add to the trenches, allowing for further versatility after losing key contributors in free agency. How does the depth chart now shake up?
Read more »
Kyler Murray Signs with Vikings for 2026 SeasonFormer Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2026 season. Murray, who was released by the Cardinals, expressed excitement about joining the team he grew up supporting. The contract includes a no-tag clause, and the Cardinals will cover most of Murray's salary for the 2024 season. The competition for the starting quarterback position in 2026 remains open.
Read more »
Kurt Warner Finds QB Height Concerns 'Humorous' After Vikings Sign Kyler MurrayMinnesota will have one of the shortest QBs in the NFL on its roster next season.
Read more »
2026 Chargers Free Agency Grades: Analyzing Major Moves in the First WeekMike McDaniel and Joe Hortiz are rebuilding the Bolts. We grade the first week of Chargers free agency, featuring Tyler Biadasz, Khalil Mack, and Charlie Kolar
Read more »
4 Chargers Free Agents Who Could Still Re-Sign With LAThe Chargers could still bring back these free agents.
Read more »
