Paul Allen, the voice of the Vikings, has heard from a “fairly trustworthy source” that Sean Payton, the head coach of the Broncos, is deeply infatuated with quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The NFL is in the midst of rumor season, and as the offseason goes on, the Denver Broncos are at the center of yet another one. The team is reportedly planning to cut veteran quarterback Russell Wilson within the next few days or weeks, which would leave them without a primary quarterback. The offseason will be dominated by talk about how the team and head coach Sean Payton go about filling that important role, and the rumors surrounding that move are getting hotter.
On Tuesday, veteran Minnesota Vikings play-by-play commentator Paul Allen offered his thoughts on the matter, stating that he has heard rumors that Sean Payton, the head coach of the Broncos, is deeply infatuated with J.J. McCarthy.
Allen mentions that there is a belief-forming amongst local media in Denver that Sean Payton loves Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He continued by saying that a “pretty reliable individual” has informed him that Sean Payton is quite enamored with J.J. McCarthy.
“A small amount of buzz is starting to circulate here that Sean Payton adores J.J. McCarthy. Payton lusts for the upcoming Drew Brees. Just keep that in mind, you know, and if you’re thinking 11 and J.J. McCarthy at 11, just know that Payton, who is desperate, is right behind you and will essentially steal, borrow, and beg to get his way in this draft in terms of quarterback prospects. Over the weekend, I received some fairly trustworthy information that Payton is deeply infatuated with J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy is currently ranked as the fourth quarterback in the NFL, behind Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye; however, new information and speculation indicate that he may be ranked even higher. According to a number of reports, the league values McCarthy more highly than the general public does, and one NFC team even has him as their number-two quarterback. Therefore, if this is accurate, Payton should be counted among those who think highly of McCarthy.
What makes Payton think so highly of McCarthy, then? When he appeared on the Jim Rome show during Super Bowl week, the question of what qualities he looks for in a quarterback was put to him. “It’s important that they’re quick processors,” he stated. This was a plus.
Furthermore, McCarthy, who recently turned 21, is quite athletic, has an NFL arm, is of decent build, and has unrealized potential. He wasn’t asked to do much at Michigan, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it. The league is intrigued by his potential because he has shown glimpses of brilliance throughout his college career.
Now, the Broncos and Sean Payton might have to move up a few teams in order to acquire McCarthy. The source of this rumor, Paul Allen, is the play-by-play announcer for the Vikings, who, should they decide not to re-sign Kirk Cousins, will need a quarterback. They select 11th overall, one pick ahead of the Broncos, and have early ties to McCarthy
