As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for their final game of the 2024 NFL season, the future of their quarterback position is becoming a hot topic. With Geno Smith set to start in Week 18, questions swirl about whether the veteran will continue leading the team in 2025. While Smith has performed admirably since taking over, factors like his age, interceptions, and contract make a transition to a younger, cheaper quarterback an appealing option for Seattle.
One intriguing name in the mix is JJ McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie quarterback. Though McCarthy missed the entire season due to a torn ACL, his potential and the Vikings’ discovery of Sam Darnold as their starter have fueled speculation about his availability. Could McCarthy be the answer for Seattle?
Why JJ McCarthy Makes Sense for Seattle
If the Seahawks are serious about resetting their quarterback situation, McCarthy checks several boxes:
- Youth and Affordability: Still on his rookie contract, McCarthy offers cap flexibility compared to the cost of extending Geno Smith or signing a veteran free agent.
- Potential: Drafted 10th overall, McCarthy’s skill set includes impressive anticipation, accuracy, and arm strength. He’s also a capable scrambler, giving the Seahawks a dual-threat option.
- Weak QB Market: With limited options in the 2025 draft and free agency, acquiring McCarthy could be Seattle’s best shot at securing a long-term solution under center.
The Risks of a McCarthy Trade
While McCarthy has upside, acquiring him would be a gamble:
- Limited Experience: McCarthy only started two seasons in college, playing in a run-heavy Michigan offense under Jim Harbaugh. Transitioning to Seattle’s pass-heavy attack would require significant adjustments.
- Injury Concerns: A torn ACL is no small setback, and there’s always uncertainty about how a player will recover.
- High Price Tag: Trading for McCarthy would likely cost Seattle a second-round pick and additional mid-round picks, a hefty price for a player with no NFL experience and limited collegiate tape.
Colin Cowherd’s Proposal
Sports analyst Colin Cowherd recently weighed in on the potential trade, suggesting that McCarthy’s availability could align with Seattle’s needs.
“If I ran Seattle, I’d make the deal tomorrow,” Cowherd said, emphasizing McCarthy’s upside and the Vikings’ lack of draft capital as a motivating factor.
Cowherd’s logic isn’t without merit. The Vikings are without second-, third-, and fourth-round picks, making a trade for McCarthy an attractive way to recoup valuable draft assets. For Seattle, the 18th overall pick is unlikely to land them a top-tier QB in a weak draft class, increasing the appeal of trading for a proven talent.
Seattle’s Alternatives
If a McCarthy deal doesn’t materialize, Seattle has other options:
- Stick with Geno Smith: Smith’s leadership and familiarity with the system make him a reliable short-term solution. The Seahawks could reassess their QB situation after 2025.
- Draft a Quarterback: While the 2025 draft class isn’t strong at QB, Seattle could take a developmental prospect in the later rounds.
- Explore Free Agency: Outside of McCarthy, free agents like Justin Fields or other veteran QBs could offer stopgap solutions.
Is McCarthy Worth the Gamble?
Ultimately, trading for McCarthy comes down to cost versus reward. If the Seahawks can acquire him for a second-round pick and minor additional compensation, it’s a conversation worth having. However, giving up multiple mid-round picks for an unproven player recovering from a major injury would be a steep price.
Seattle’s front office, led by John Schneider, must weigh the risks of a McCarthy trade against the benefits of stability with Geno Smith. With no urgent need to make a quarterback move, patience might be Seattle’s best strategy.
2025 Outlook: The Road Ahead
As the Seahawks look to build on their 2024 campaign, finding a long-term solution at quarterback is critical. Whether it’s McCarthy, Smith, or another player, Seattle’s decision will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
For now, the Seahawks can afford to wait, keeping their options open while preparing to pounce on the right opportunity—whether it’s JJ McCarthy or another rising star.
