An article recently published on Sportsnaut.com by contributor Andrew Buller-Russ names the New Orleans Saints as one of the teams that should consider pursuing Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the 2025 offseason. Whether you view the piece as clickbait or not, it raises some valid points worth examining. Ultimately, it’s an opinion piece but aligns with recent speculation surrounding McCarthy’s future.
The article doesn’t present concrete evidence of trade talks but builds on information shared by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who reported that multiple teams are expected to inquire about McCarthy’s availability this offseason. Buller-Russ outlines several franchises that should make a move for the former Michigan Wolverine, including the Saints.
As many fans know, McCarthy was slated to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback this season. However, a preseason knee injury derailed those plans and opened the door for veteran Sam Darnold to step in. Darnold capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a breakout season that has reportedly made him a strong candidate to remain Minnesota’s starting quarterback. At just 27 years old, Darnold’s resurgence has led to speculation that the Vikings may be ready to move on from McCarthy despite the former first-round pick’s potential
Darnold has revitalized his career with the Vikings, making him a valuable asset. His relatively affordable contract provides current flexibility, but that could change soon. Darnold is likely to seek a lucrative, long-term deal, and if the Vikings and Darnold can’t reach an agreement, the franchise tag might be a temporary solution. This situation allows Minnesota to explore trade options for J.J. McCarthy, potentially acquiring draft capital or other assets to bolster their roster.
If you’re a Saints fan, acquiring McCarthy might be intriguing. Looking at what head coach Kevin O’Connell has accomplished in Minnesota—establishing a winning culture and developing a quarterback to thrive within his system—strong leadership and vision can transform a team. For the Saints, a coach capable of nurturing a quarterback like McCarthy could set the foundation for a brighter future.
Here’s what Andrew Buller-Russ had to say about why the Saints should be among the teams vying for McCarthy’s services.
“When healthy, Derek Carr is an above-average quarterback. This move would be more about clearing up the Saints’ future cap sheet by trading the four-time Pro Bowl QB elsewhere while replacing the 33-year-old with a much younger solution. Yet, with Carr’s $51 million cap number in 2025, pulling this move off may be tricky for New Orleans.”
This is where Buller-Russ’s argument starts to resonate. He states, “Yet with Carr’s $51 million cap number in 2025, pulling this off may be tricky for New Orleans.” He’s right—no team will likely take on Carr’s current contract. However, if the Saints were to release Carr, he would still likely have a market, though not at that hefty price tag. A potential suitor might sign Carr to a more team-friendly deal, knowing that New Orleans is still paying him, similar to what transpired with Russell Wilson after his trade.
If the Saints somehow managed to orchestrate a trade for J.J. McCarthy, it would shake up the quarterback room. McCarthy, a former first-round pick and part of the same draft class as Spencer Rattler, would bring intrigue and potential to the Saints. Pairing McCarthy with Rattler could give New Orleans a young, promising QB room, though it’s uncertain how Jake Haener fits into that equation.
Related: What’s Next for the Saints’ 2025 QB Situation?
The key question surrounding this scenario is leadership. Who will be the head coach? Who will be the offensive coordinator tasked with developing these young quarterbacks? For a trade like this to make sense, the Saints need a coaching staff capable of fostering quarterback talent. If New Orleans were to hire someone like Brian Flores, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, he might be inclined to pursue a player he knows well, such as McCarthy. Moreover, bringing in offensive minds like Liam Coen or Ben Johnson—known for revitalizing quarterbacks—would significantly increase the chances of success.
We’ve seen how transformative coaching can be with examples like Jared Goff in Detroit, Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, and Sam Darnold in Minnesota. If the Saints could replicate those success stories, acquiring McCarthy could be a bold and rewarding move. However, given the uncertainty surrounding the team’s next head coach and offensive coordinator, pulling off a trade of this magnitude feels like a stretch.
Another factor to consider is the emotional ties within the fanbase. There’s a segment of Saints fans heavily invested in Rattler, hoping he can become the long-term answer. Others remain loyal to Carr, believing he could succeed under the right circumstances. These factions add complexity to any major decision involving the quarterback position.
It’s hard to envision Carr returning to the roster at his current cap number. The Saints will likely need to restructure his contract or negotiate a pay cut. But even if Carr stays for another season, New Orleans must plan for the future. As Buller-Russ correctly notes, the Saints don’t have a 10-year franchise quarterback on the roster. They must find their next cornerstone through the draft or a high-upside acquisition like McCarthy.
Any move involving McCarthy ultimately hinges on finding the right head coach to guide the Saints into a new era. The coaching hire will set the tone for the team’s identity and vision. Whether it’s a dynamic leader like Kevin O’Connell or another innovative mind, the Saints must establish stability at the top before making any sweeping roster changes.
As the offseason approaches, the Saints face a pivotal moment. Buller-Russ’s inclusion of New Orleans among the seven teams that should pursue McCarthy is justified. The Saints need to address their quarterback situation and secure a long-term answer. As the franchise searches for its next head coach, the next few weeks will clarify what the future holds for the black and gold.
In addition to the Saints, Buller-Russ named six other teams as potential suitors for McCarthy: the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Las Vegas Raiders. Each team presents compelling reasons for a McCarthy trade, but New Orleans’s quarterback uncertainty makes them an especially intriguing contender.
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