Who Should I Start? Taysom Hill or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, February 18, 8:22 PM

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider suggests that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton could target New Orleans Saints tight ends Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill (knee) this offseason. Johnson signed with the Saints when Payton was still the head coach in 2020 and had seven touchdowns in Payton's final season in 2022. The 28-year-old played in all 17 games in 2023 and finished with career-highs in catches (50) and receiving yards (548). His 18 TD receptions since 2021 are tied for seventh-most among all TEs in that span. Johnson also ranks sixth among all TEs the last four years in average air yards per target (8.64). He'd give Denver a downfield threat at the position that they've been lacking. Hill, a do-it-all 34-year-old that has been a RB and WR for Payton in the past in New Orleans, could be cut by the Saints this offseason after tearing his ACL in 2024. He'd give Denver another option in the short-yardage running game, an area they struggled at this past season.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.