As of now, there is no official news or credible reports suggesting that the Cleveland Browns are in talks to trade for J.J. McCarthy, the University of Michigan quarterback. McCarthy is currently in college and would need to declare for the NFL Draft to be eligible for a professional football team. Trades for college players are not possible under NFL rules, as teams can only acquire players who are part of the league.
However, if the Browns were interested in McCarthy after he enters the NFL Draft, it could signal a potential shift in their long-term quarterback strategy. McCarthy has shown impressive skills at Michigan, including strong arm strength, mobility, and leadership qualities, which could make him a desirable prospect for NFL teams.
For the Browns, securing McCarthy would depend on their draft position and willingness to trade assets to move up in the draft, should he be a top-tier prospect. If such a move were to happen, it would reflect their confidence in McCarthy as a future franchise quarterback.
The possibility of the Cleveland Browns trading for J.J. McCarthy is effectively zero, as trades involving college players are not permitted in the NFL. Here’s why:
1. Eligibility Rules
J.J. McCarthy is still a college athlete at the University of Michigan. NFL teams cannot trade for college players because they are not under contract with any professional team. Players must declare for the NFL Draft to become eligible for league involvement.
2. Draft Structure
If the Browns want McCarthy, they would need to select him during the NFL Draft after he declares eligibility. If McCarthy is projected to go high in the draft, the Browns would need to trade up, depending on their draft position. This process wouldn’t be a “trade for McCarthy” but rather a trade for a higher draft pick.
3. Browns’ Current QB Situation
The Browns recently committed significant financial resources to quarterback Deshaun Watson, signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Unless Watson’s performance drastically declines or other unforeseen issues arise, the Browns are unlikely to aggressively pursue a quarterback like McCarthy, at least in the immediate future.
Conclusion
A direct trade for J.J. McCarthy is impossible. However, if the Browns were to target him in the draft, the likelihood would depend on their long-term evaluation of McCarthy’s potential and their quarterback needs at that time. For now, the scenario remains purely hypothetical.
