Former Patriots QB Mac Jones could be Vikings starter after JJ McCarthy injury

The Vikings have been dealing with a devastating week filled with unfortunate injuries to many critical players, the latest being rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy. After seeing a good amount of action in the team's preseason opener against the Raiders, the 10th overall pick in this year's draft began to deal with an injury during practice.

It was feared to be a meniscus tear, which was later confirmed to be the worst case scenario once McCarthy had surgery to repair it. It will force him to miss the entire 2024 season, putting the Vikings in a difficult spot just weeks before the regular season begins.

The plan was to have the rookie be the starter for the season after Minnesota moved on from Kirk Cousins in free agency. Now, they'll have Sam Darnold take over QB1 duties, which isn't the favorable choice amongst most fans.

It has prompted a slew of trade proposals for various backup quarterbacks around the league, some of which have included Patriots' Bailey Zappe. However, if head coach Kevin O'Connell would prefer someone with more starting experience, a former New England quarterback might be the one to go with.

The Vikings could show interest in acquiring Mac Jones from the Jaguars this season

Mac Jones had a struggled-filled 2023 season, some of which could be explained by a chaotic behind-the-scenes atmosphere and a lack of talent around him on offense. Regardless, his performance forced Bill Belichick to bench the quarterback midway through the year, prompting Zappe to become the starter for the remaining games on the schedule.

It was believed that Jones would be traded or released this offseason, especially if Belichick had the choice, but his departure changed the quarterback's fate for at least a bit longer.

Jerod Mayo hinted at possibly allowing Jones to win the starting job during spring and summer practices until the new regime ultimately decided to trade the young quarterback to the Jaguars earlier this year.

Jones was involved in the decision and chose his hometown team to hopefully revitalize his career. He has since been seen enjoying his new teammates and environment, even if he is reportedly driving them a little crazy.

Because the Jaguars already have a starting quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, Jones was acquired to be his backup. That creates an opportunity for the Vikings to make a trade for him and make him their starter in McCarthy's absence.

Since Jones is still on his rookie contract, it wouldn't be a significant cost for the Vikings to get the trade done, and the Jaguars acquired him by sending the Patriots a sixth round pick, so that works in Minnesota's favor as well.

It might be a route they should explore if they're not entirely comfortable with Darnold being under center for the entire 2024 season. While Jones won't necessarily make them a playoff-caliber team, he might bring better results than Darnold, who also lost his starting role during his time with the Jets.

At the very least, Jones is another possible option for the Vikings to consider if they want to look outside of the building for a quarterback.

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