Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy recently took to social media to announce he was declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. It's the right decision for McCarthy, who just led the program to a National Championship victory over the Washington Huskies. With Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh rumored to be making the jump back to the NFL, returning to school would be a risk not worth taking for McCarthy.
McCarthy is unlikely to contend for Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels status, but he's fully capable of being the fourth quarterback drafted in the first round. McCarthy elevated his pre-draft stock throughout the College Football Playoff, and we've identified three ideal team fits for McCarthy.
ATLANTA FALCONS
It's difficult to predict what type of quarterback the Falcons are going to target this offseason until they have a head coach in place, but it's fairly straightforward that they'll be adding a new signal-caller this offseason. It's become increasingly clear that Desmond Ridder isn't the long-term answer. Taylor Heinicke was a veteran stopgap that failed to reach even the minimum required.
McCarthy is an elite game manager who took advantage of the talent Michigan surrounded him with. I could foresee a similar scenario playing out in Atlanta. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts are begging to be unleashed. McCarthy is the type of quarterback who would come in and spread the ball around to the weapons in place.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Mere months ago, the expectation was that Kirk Cousins wouldn't return to the Vikings in 2024. Things have changed. I'd be stunned if Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn't re-sign Cousins—who is recovering from a torn Achilles—to a short-term extension before the in-demand veteran quarterback reaches the market.
Even if Cousins returns, the Vikings must start thinking about a succession plan. I was surprised Adofo-Mensah didn't address the position early in the 2023 NFL Draft—they selected Jaren Hall in the fifth round. Hall flashed playmaking ability while playing sporadically this season, but I expect the Vikings to target an earlier-round quarterback with some pedigree. With weapons such as Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison in place, and an offensive-minded head coach like Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota is the perfect place for a young quarterback like McCarthy to come in and experience success.
DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos and quarterback Russell Wilson are at a standstill. Head coach Sean Payton cited performance-related issues when benching Wilson mere weeks after he refused to renegotiate his bloated contract. Releasing Wilson with a post-June-1 designation would leave behind $85 million in dead money that could be spread out over two seasons. It sounds unfathomable, but the Broncos may be willing to bite the bullet to rid themselves of Wilson.
The Broncos will rely on cheap contributors while navigating post-Wilson life. Getting a rookie quarterback on a cost-controlled four-year rookie contract is imperative this offseason. Payton is the type of offensive engineer who could make it work, particularly with a smart, efficient quarterback such as McCarthy.
