“What Are You Going to Pay”: Sean Payton’s Desire for JJ McCarthy Comes With a Price Tag

The Denver Broncos QB room is full of debris from the Russell Wilson disaster. While they’re still recovering from the aftermaths, head coach Sean Payton has already started looking for quarterbacks, that can make the Broncos QB room complete again. All the while, JJ McCarthy seems more and more suitable for the position. The race behind him, however, would be a challenge that the Broncos would need to win.

JJ McCarthy has several teams, right from the Pick 2 Commanders, wrapped around his finger. Broncos being at No.12, it’s a formidable road ahead for them. Followed by the Patriots at 3, the Giants at 6, and the most challenging, the Vikings at 11, right before the Broncos. While all these teams have been interviewing McCarthy, the Vikings seem to have pledged to get McCarthy. With the Vikings just ahead of the Broncos, will Sean Payton be able to get McCarthy, whatever the price?

“There’s too many teams that need QB, and Sean Payton’s the one that I would keep an eye on. I felt all along Sean Payton wants J.J. McCarthy, and he’s not going to fall to them at 13. You’re going to have to go get him. What are you going to pay to go get him?” Dan Patrick said in his show. Dan Patrick also highlighted several reasons why JJ McCarthy’s draft stocks have skyrocketed. Inevitably, his performances at the Pro Day and NFL Combine are enough reasons. Yet, those interpersonal skills earned him the badge of the hottest QB in the NFL trade market.

“He has everything. He interviewed well, he’s smart, he’s a winner. He’s got athleticism,” Patrick said. Now, if Sean Payton really wants McCarthy, the only option he would be left with would be trading up.

Is Sean Payton considering trading up to get JJ McCarthy?

At the AFC coaches’ breakfast, Payton admitted that it was only realistic for the team to trade up to select from the top QBs in the first round. The most logical trade-up for them? Arizona Cardinals at 4th overall and Chargers at 5th overall. Among the two, the Chargers would likely be the first one Payton might reach out to, given the rumors of them wanting to trade down.

READ MORE: Jim Harbaugh’s Sly Tactics Behind Skyrocketing J.J McCarthy’s Draft Stock Unmasked as Chargers Eye Masterstroke

If the Broncos move up, they will unquestionably have JJ McCarthy, whom they had a 5-hour-long interview with to choose. But they would also possibly have QBs like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels if they remain available to choose from. Amidst the cutthroat competition, do you think Sean Payton would secure JJ McCarthy? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

READ MORE: NFL Draft News: Vikings Emerge as “Heavy Favorites” to Sign J.J McCarthy as Giants & Commanders Dealt Crushing Blow