The Chargers are once again linked to Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy as the 2026 season approaches.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed a handful of bold trade predictions ahead of the 2026 season and urged the Chargers to trade for McCarthy.
In this trade scenario, the Chargers receive McCarthy, while the Vikings receive a 2028 fifth-round pick.
"The Los Angeles Chargers are one team that might be willing to take a chance on McCarthy," Knox wrote. "L.A. has its starting quarterback in Justin Herbert, but it has a less-experienced backup in Trey Lance, who is also on a one-year deal.
"Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was McCarthy's coach at Michigan, and he could be interested in developing his former starter as a long-term backup in L.A."
The Vikings may be hesitant to give up on their former first-round pick. As things stand, McCarthy is not on the trading block, but if he were, the Chargers would be an ideal landing spot.
The Chargers' QB2 situation is not ideal, with Trey Lance leading that department. Many are writing off McCarthy in the NFL due to injuries and poor play. Still, in Los Angeles, he'd at least have Harbaugh on his side, as he did in their time together in Michigan.
McCarthy played his best football under Harbaugh during their time together at Michigan. The 23-year-old was at his sharpest with Harbaugh at the helm, leading the Wolverines to efficient wins, high completion rates and a national championship in their final season in Ann Arbor.
We've seen success when McCarthy and Harbaugh are together, and some would argue that McCarthy is an upgrade over Lance.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers linked to former first-round pick in bold trade prediction
