After letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency, it appears as if though the Minnesota Vikings are set to hand the starting quarterback position over to JJ McCarthy. While McCarthy had the potential coming out of Michigan that led to him being drafted in the first round, this move considering the overall state of the cornerback position is a bit risky.
The Minnesota Vikings need more stability at the quarterback spot to ensure they can fully compete in 2025, which is what led to rumors around them signing former Super Bowl champion, Aaron Rodgers. That scenario seems very unlikely, but there is another free agent quarterback the Vikings should look to sign, and that is Joe Flacco.
While the starting job is McCarthy’s to lose, the Vikings still must sign a quarterback that can be a capable starter, and Joe Flacco fits that mold. The reason being, McCarthy is coming off a season in which he missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury, and will be starting at the NFL level for the first time this year. For a Vikings team that is in a prime contending spot, the development of McCarthy is crucial for the team.
The current backup on the team as it stands is Brett Rypien, which doesn’t lead to much confidence if McCarthy isn’t ready to start the season. By signing Joe Flacco, the Vikings get a capable quarterback that can start, and keep the Vikings at a contending level, while also being a mentor to McCarthy.
Flacco just last season had 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns over seven games, adding to his career total of 49,317 yards and 283 touchdowns with just 174 interceptions across 17 seasons. By bringing that type of experience, as well as knowledge after winning a Super Bowl[er Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, Flacco is ideal for the Vikings to sign to help with the development of McCarthy.
