NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: 'Vikings Will Be Aggressive in Trading Up' for J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings watched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins walk in free agency this offseason, signing a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. But the team may have a replacement on mind.

According to ESPN's Matt Miller, the team has eyes for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy:

"The Vikings sent neither [general manager Kwesi] Adofo-Mensah nor coach Kevin O'Connell to the Michigan pro day Friday, but quarterbacks coach Josh McCown was firmly planted right behind McCarthy during his 25-minute throwing session. In talking to NFL personnel while on the road at pro days this week, the feeling is still the Vikings will be aggressive in trading up to the No. 4 or No. 5 spot to land the Michigan quarterback. One general manager I talked to this week said McCarthy is a top-six pick right now. The question is who will trade up to get him."

It wouldn't be a major surprise.

While the team signed Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal this offseason, it was a move that had "bridge starter" written all over it considering Darnold's struggles during his career (63 touchdowns, 56 interceptions, 59.7 completion percentage).

Few people would be stunned if the Vikings moved up from No. 11 to get in position to select a player like McCarthy.