The Los Angeles Chargers are seemingly set at quarterback for the forseeable future with Justin Herbert under center, yet they once again find themselves being implored to take another chance on a former top pick who is already on the outs with the team that drafted him. This time, it's J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy will start the 2026 season on the bench, as the Minnesota Vikings recently announced that former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray will be the starting quarterback. After missing his entire rookie season and struggling in his second, McCarthy's name will dominate the rumor mill over the next few months.
The Chargers' backup quarterback situation isn't ideal, and Harbaugh may like McCarthy as much as any coach in this league. That could lead to a trade happening, but LA might be better off letting that pass them by.
Los Angeles Chargers need to avoid J.J. McCarthy trade despite Jim Harbaugh's history
The Chargers have two main factors working at their backs that would lead many to believe that a reunion is possible. First, Trey Lance is currently their backup quarterback, suggesting an organizational willingness to take discarded former first-round picks and mold them into contributors.
Second, this front office loves getting the band back together. When Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz first arrived in Los Angeles, the roster and coaching staff was filled with Harbaugh's former Michigan associates and many who were under both Hortiz and Harbaugh's brother John with the Baltimore Ravens. Why wouldn't Harbaugh want a quarterback he won a national championship with?
Let's say Harbaugh wants to make this happen. Would it be wise to trade some premium NFL Draft capital (say a mid-round pick) for a player that would have no chance at starting? Would it be problematic to bring in someone Harbaugh clearly likes to a meritocratic locker room?
Above all else, is McCarthy even worth it? The answer is unclear. After missing his entire rookie season with an injury, McCarthy threw more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11) in a Kevin O'Connell-led offense with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and a solid offensive line. McCarthy's accuracy troubles and small frame will loom large.
The Chargers have mostly done a solid job of refocusing this offseason, getting everyone healthy and ignoring the noise as they try to overcome their playoff demons. McCarthy coming into the fold screams like an addition that is happening at the wrong place or the wrong time. Or perhaps both.
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