Vikings trade rumors for QB deal take unexpected insider turn despite J.J. McCarthy's big Week 9

The NFL's trade deadline day is finally here.

At 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT), trades will cease. If the Minnesota Vikings, or any other team, are going to make a deal, it has to happen by then.

There was some speculation in recent weeks that the Vikings could use a veteran quarterback.

Then on Sunday, J.J. McCarthy played an incredible game in an upset of the Detroit Lions. So, maybe not?

ESPN's Bill Barnwell writes that a deal should still happen anyway.

"I'd still do it," Barnwell wrote on Monday. "Whether it's (Kirk) Cousins or someone else, McCarthy and the Vikings would benefit from having a veteran in the QB room. Even if McCarthy is going to be just fine and start the rest of the way -- which we really can't know for sure, even if Sunday was an encouraging sign -- having a veteran around can only help as he navigates the ups and downs of his first active NFL season. The Vikings are spending more money on their roster this year than any other team in the league, and it's pretty loaded. They're in last place in the NFC North, but Minnesota is 4-4 and only a game and a half out of first. The Vikings won 14 games last season and need to do whatever they can to maximize their chances of getting back to the playoffs. Go get the vet."

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That financial piece of things is big. 

Like Barnwell says, the Vikings have the most expensive roster in the NFL. It's as talented as you'd expect.

They can't jeopardize things by being too weak at QB.

Likely, McCarthy starts the rest of the way. But if he gets hurt, or falls off performance-wise, is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer the savior?

The Vikings at least owe themselves the chance to have a different backup plan if needed.

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