Former high draft pick wants to join Vikings to battle QB JJ McCarthy for starting job

Former high draft pick wants to join Vikings to battle QB JJ McCarthy for starting job originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's been a strange year for the Minnesota Vikings and their young quarterback, JJ McCarthy. The team's first-round pick in 2024, McCarthy returned from an injury that wiped out his rookie year, and at times, he played like a man on a mission. Unfortunately, the QB has been erratic and has suffered another injury this season, as the Vikings have dropped to 4-7 on the year.

With McCarthy currently under concussion protocol, Max Brosmer will make his first pro start on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. However, there could be help on the way this offseason, according to ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler is reporting that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has interest in a deal that would move him to Minnesota to compete for the Vikings' starting job under coach Kevin O'Connell.

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"O’Connell also has respect for Richardson, who could be the next reclamation QB to thrive elsewhere," Fowler wrote. "Richardson has an interest in playing for a coach from the Sean McVay tree, either the man himself or a disciple like O’Connell."

What Anthony Richardson could bring to the Vikings

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Richardson, the Colts' firs-round pick and the fourth overall player chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft, emerged a dual threat during his first two years in Indianapolis. He has passed for 2400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 intereptions in his career. That last stat is what cause him to lose the starting job in Indy to Daniel Jones. Richardson has been inconsistent through the air.

Still, he has playmaking skills. and at just 23 years old, he's got a ton of potential upside. He's been largely untested in the NFL, with just 17 pro games under his belt. However, he is 8-7 as a starter and can get the job done with his legs; he has 10 career rushing touchdowns.

Richardson vs McCarthy in a winner-take-all batte in training camp could see both young players elevate their games. And for Minnesota? It could mean finally finding the franchise QB they covet.