Now that we're in March, with free agency and the new league year on the horizon, Minnesota Vikings fans just want something, anything, to happen regarding the addition of a quarterback. Some names have surfaced more prominently as the time for that move to be made looms, and reports from the NFL Combine were all across the spectrum when it comes to J.J. McCarthy's standing.
One absolutely clear thing, after they failed to do so last offseason as viable free agent after viable free agent signed elsewhere, is that the Vikings will add a legit option to their quarterback room with McCarthy. That new signal caller may instantly be the favorite for the starting job, and there's viability to the idea that McCarthy would have to clearly beat out whoever it is to win the starting job.
Appearing on Monday's edition of "The Dan Patrick Show", ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler talked about the quarterback options for the Vikings. He reinforced prior reporting, attaching them strongly to Kyler Murray and Geno Smith, as would be expected.
Jeremy Fowler uses a perfect analogy to describe the state of the relationship between J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings
Patrick then asked, however boldly, if McCarthy could get cut. Fowler doesn't see that happening, and it would be rather aggressive. But then he hit on an absolutely perfect analogy to describe the relationship between the Vikings and McCarthy right now.
"We've all been there, Dan", Fowler said. "It's kind of like when you get broken up with, or somebody starts seeing other people. When they do that, it's kind of clear it's probably over. So there's that element to the J.J. McCarthy situation as well."
Fowler used the Indianapolis Colts' situation last offseason as an example for the Vikings now. Daniel Jones, who, of course, left the Vikings as a free agent because he had a better chance (or any chance at all) to win the starting job in Indianapolis, was easy to see as the presumed starter over Anthony Richardson, barring something unforeseen. And, of course, that's how it played out.
"I think this is a similar situation in Minnesota", Fowler said. "They know where this is headed, but they'll leave a little wiggle room for J.J. to maybe surprise 'em."
Without any injection of insight from reporters, McCarthy's hold on the starting job under center for the Vikings is as tenuous as it gets. Fowler, likening the current state of the team-quarterback relationship to a romantic relationship that is over before one party fully acknowledges it, is quite harsh, but it's also strangely appropriate and hits the nail on the head.