The Minnesota Vikings traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a needy New York Giants team just days after John Mara and the Giants lost their franchise quarterback, Jaxson Dart, to a season-ending injury. That was huge news when it broke, but it may be just the beginning of quarterback trades in the NFL.
Just because the season has started, that doesn’t mean major trades are done. Of course, when players get injured or teams simply start losing games, that creates the kind of environment conducive to a trade.
Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN are putting out the idea of a few trade developments going into Week 4.
More quarterback trades could be coming
As they explain in their report, the NFL trade deadline could bring more quarterback movement, and several names stand out as strong possibilities.
Mac Jones could be the biggest name on the list. But, as Fowler and Graziano of ESPN point out in the feature, with Brock Purdy’s injury history, the San Francisco 49ers also have a lot of reasons to keep Jones around.
“The 49ers have said they aren’t interested in dealing him, and I believe it would take a lot to change their minds. But if someone gets desperate enough, who knows?” Graziano notes.
Anthony Richardson is another possibility. The Indianapolis Colts don’t appear ready to trade him right now, but that could change as the season moves along and he gets closer to the end of his rookie contract. A late-round pick could eventually be enough to make a deal worth considering.
“I still wonder if someone will throw a late-round pick at the Colts for a chance to salvage his talent,” Graziano says.
Then, there’s Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett. If the Cardinals decide it’s time to give rookie Carson Beck a look, Brissett could become a significantly valuable trade chip. Veteran Gardner Minshew could also enter the trade talks, giving teams another experienced option if the quarterback market really gets going.
“A lot of these situations are going to change drastically by midseason. Jacoby Brissett could struggle and prompt the Cardinals to want to see third-round rookie Carson Beck, which could lead to Brissett or veteran backup Gardner Minshew II being dealt,” Graziano says.
There are lots of possibilities, so don’t be surprised if you see some action in the NFL’s quarterback rooms.