Would the Los Angeles Rams be smart to add Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy via a trade during the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Los Angeles Rams
' plan to find a successor for Matthew Stafford
has dominated their offseason discussions. While the team doesn't appear to be in any hurry
to find his replacement, their options for a backup quarterback are dwindling.
One NFL analyst might have found the best way for the Rams to kill two birds with one stone in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, it would be a gamble, albeit one without a lot of risks for the team.
In his mock draft where every team makes a trade
, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell proposes an interesting scenario for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams trade back from No. 13 with the Minnesota Vikings in this scenario.
The Los Angeles Rams would send No. 13 overall to the Vikings in exchange for picks No. 18 and No. 97, as well as quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
I think this would be a fascinating deal for all parties involved. McCarthy is a more worthwhile swing than any quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, the Rams can pick up an additional top-100 pick in the draft, something they've wanted all along
.
Keep in mind that they tried to trade for Sam Howell
before he was dealt to the Seahawks
, so it's clear that they aren't afraid of a reclamation project…for the right price. If the Rams all in season goes their way, they won't have a chance to pick a rookie QB at the top of the 1st round next season anyways, further kicking the QB can down the road.
It wouldn't be the first time Sean McVay has turned a quarterback's career around with the Rams. With their options for life after Stafford looking fairly uncertain, I think this would be the perfect time to take a swing like this.
Los Angeles Rams News
AJ Schulte April 8, 2026
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