Former NFL GM feels the Vikings will overpay to move up in the draft to select JJ McCarthy

How bad do NFL teams want a franchise quarterback? Well, one former NFL GM says that the Minnesota Vikings will be a team that overpays to select a quarterback.

While the Vikings have the 11th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the 23rd pick in the draft, former Vikings GM Rick Spielman believes the Vikes will give up both picks to move up to get JJ McCarthy.

Rick Spielman recently appeared on the With the First Pick podcast and revealed what the Vikings could do to get their franchise quarterback.

“They’re (the Vikings) going to have to give (picks 11 and 23) and their 2025 first, plus some more draft capital,” Spielman said, per Vikings Wire. “I think J.J. (McCarthy) will be a good pro, but Minnesota will overpay to get him. At this point, they don’t have a choice (given their current QB room).”

Several major media outlets feel the Vikings will trade up as well. Field Yates of ESPN believes the Vikings will trade up to No. 5 overall to draft McCarthy. I am not sure they will trade up in the top 5, but right now they are stating they are willing to start Sam Darnold the entire year, but as a fan there is no one that believes this.

Field Yates feels the Vikings need to make the move to get McCarthy.

“Minnesota would be betting on McCarthy’s combination of very good ball placement and mobility helping him become its long-term answer, with Sam Darnold in tow for 2024 if McCarthy needs time to get his feet wet,” Yates wrote. “The supporting cast in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and an elite offensive tackle duo give him a shot for serious early success.”

“So you better be capable and ready to walk in as an adult in the room. I think J.J.’s experience at the Michigan program allows him to do that. The second thing is, you have to have an alpha personality to control that locker room and to lead that locker room. I think being around coach Harbaugh gives him the opportunity to do that.”

McCarthy is a solid quarterback, he only lost one game as a starter and won the National Championship. He finished 2023 with 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with an impressive 72.3 completion percentage. I know a rookie could take time to develop but this makes more sense than just rocking with Sam Darnold.