Getty Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
The Las Vegas Raiders have major quarterback issues right now. Jimmy Garoppolo, Aidan O’Connell and Brian Hoyer have combined for 12 interceptions this season, which is the most in the NFL. The next closest team is the Cleveland Browns with nine.
Garoppolo is tied for the individual lead in interceptions with eight and he’s missed two games. The chances the Raiders look to draft a quarterback in next year’s draft are increasing and Pro Football Focus believes that Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy would be a really good fit in Las Vegas.
“McCarthy has the arm to succeed at the NFL level. He can hit the ‘Sunday throws’ with both distance and velocity and is improving his touch in 2023,” PFF wrote in an October 22 column. “He has a slender build but will be a passer the league covets.”
McCarthy just recently became the favorite to win this season’s Heisman Trophy, per BetMGM. He’s led the Wolverines to an 8-0 record so far and has thrown 18 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
The first two quarterbacks off the board are likely to be USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye. Who will be the third quarterback off the board remains to be seen but McCarthy is certainly in the discussion. If the Raiders can’t get a top-five pick at the end of the season, McCarthy is a player to watch.
Jim Harbaugh & J.J. McCarthy Reunion in NFL?
Right now, Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy are tied at the hip at Michigan. However, Harbaugh has been flirting with the NFL for a couple of years now and has shown interest in the Raiders job recently. Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported in January 2022 that he would’ve taken the Las Vegas opening had he been offered.
The job went to Josh McDaniels, who has led the team to a 9-15 record. Hiring him over Harbaugh was a mistake in 2022 but owner Mark Davis could have another chance at adding the coach this offseason. If McDaniels is let go after the season, Harbaugh could be on the team’s radar. He has a proven track record of success in the NFL and college. The Raiders have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity for over two decades now and need a proven name to come in and turn things around.
Plus, he could have the chance to reunite with McCarthy in the NFL. The two have gone 20-1 together and that success could translate to the pros.
INSANE from JJ McCarthy
Las Vegas Raiders Need QB of the Future
Even if Josh McDaniels is retained for another season, the Raiders have a major quarterback issue on their hands. Jimmy Garoppolo is under contract for three years but he’s been outright bad this season. His 82.6 passer rating is 21st in the NFL and as mentioned previously, he’s tied for the league lead in interceptions.
That’s not to mention that he’s already missed two games due to injury. The Raiders decided against adding a quarterback early in last year’s draft but may not have that luxury in 2024. The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with high-end quarterback talent. It’s a very good year to need a quarterback and the Raiders should have plans to take one in the first round.