Here Is the Reason Jim Harbaugh Is Unlikely to Reunite With JJ McCarthy Despite Touting Him as the Greatest Michigan QB

The Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh, knows talent when he sees it. And for him, Michigan product JJ McCarthy is the “greatest quarterback in University of Michigan—college football history.” And he didn’t say it just once! He said it for the second time after Michigan beat Alabama in a 27-20 overtime victory in the Rose Bowl. 

Jim Harbaugh said of the 21-year-old NFL prospect, “In a college career there’s been nobody at Michigan better than JJ. I know we talk about it an amalgamation of quarterbacks. He is that guy.” And now that Harbaugh is in the pro league and McCarthy has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, fans would wish to see the QB unite with his former college football HC. But this reunion scenario isn’t likely to happen. Let’s dive deeper into the story to know more.

The Chargers already have a crown jewel in Justin Herbert

JJ McCarthy is undoubtedly an early-round pick, and the Chargers have to address their WR needs before they can worry about QBs. Justin Herbert is set to return for the next season following his thumb surgery, putting Harbaugh’s need for a QB in irrelevance. In Week 14, Herbert injured his index finger on his throwing hand during a game against the Denver Broncos. Nonetheless, he finished with 3,000+ yards in 13 games, 20 TDs, and seven interceptions.

In the words of the Chargers’ new HC, Herbert is a crown jewel in the NFL, and per Chargers Wire, he remains the only player from the 2023 QB room to stay on the roster with a $19.3 million cap hit. He’s currently on the path to his fifth-year rookie contract option before his cap hit increases to about $40 million next season. So, with the Chargers having their QB needs addressed, where could JJ McCarthy potentially land?

Potential landing spots for JJ McCarthy

The Chargers aren’t the only teams JJ McCarthy might be interested in joining. Entering this year’s NFL Draft as one of the top prospects, several teams could be eyeing the Michigan alum. One potential landing spot could be with the Broncos, where he can play under Sean Payton and compete with Jarrett Stidham for the starting spot.

READ MORE: Chargers News: Jim Harbaugh and Co. Reportedly Target Former Titans OT Andre Dillard Amid WR Dilemma 

The New England Patriots may be another prospective landing spot as the team might trade down from their third pick and take some picks to boost their roster where they could select McCarthy. The franchise has a lot of cap space and a rookie coach in Jerod Mayo. With McCarthy completing last season with 2,991 yards and 22 TDs, he doesn’t have to worry about landing with teams that can build around him.

READ MORE: Amid $34 Million Contract Restructure, Keenan Allen’s Trade to Bears Alters Draft Landscape for Chargers