Browns Urged to Trade for J.J. McCarthy Entering NFL Season

September 7, 2026 - 00:49

The Cleveland Browns are facing some serious questions as the new NFL season approaches, and one analyst thinks the answer might be a surprising trade for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The suggestion comes as the Browns prepare to open the year with Deshaun Watson under center, but the pressure is already mounting on the veteran to perform after two injury-plagued seasons.

McCarthy, the former Michigan star, was drafted by the Vikings in the first round this spring, but he is expected to sit and learn behind Sam Darnold for at least his rookie year. That situation has led some to wonder if Minnesota might be willing to part with him for the right price, especially if a contender comes calling with a strong offer.

The logic behind the trade idea is simple. Cleveland has a roster built to win now, with a dominant defensive line and solid skill players on offense. But Watson's health and consistency remain major unknowns. If he struggles again or gets hurt, the Browns would be left with little behind him. Jameis Winston is the current backup, but he is not viewed as a long-term answer.

Bringing in McCarthy would give the Browns a young quarterback to develop while still allowing Watson to start. It would also protect the franchise if Watson's time in Cleveland ends sooner than expected. The cost would likely be high, possibly involving multiple draft picks, but the payoff could be huge if McCarthy turns into the franchise quarterback many believe he can be.

Of course, the Vikings have shown no signs they want to move on from McCarthy. They invested a top-ten pick in him and believe he is their future. Still, the NFL is a business, and every player has a price. If Cleveland calls with an offer that blows Minnesota away, anything could happen.

For now, the Browns seem committed to Watson. But with the season opener just weeks away, the chatter around a potential McCarthy trade is not going away. Whether the team actually makes that call remains to be seen, but it is clear that some people think Cleveland should be thinking bigger than just this year.