In 2025, the Vikings could choose between Sam Darnold’s experience for immediate success or J.J. McCarthy’s high-upside potential.

As the Minnesota Vikings enter the 2025 season, their quarterback situation remains a critical focal point. The team’s success hinges on a variety of factors, but none are more important than securing the right signal-caller to guide the offense. In recent years, the Vikings have seen solid play from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, but with his contract expiring and his future uncertain, the team is now considering a new direction at quarterback. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Vikings will face a choice that could have long-lasting implications: should they commit to Sam Darnold, a veteran quarterback known for his experience, or J.J. McCarthy, a high-upside, younger prospect with the potential to become a star?

This decision is far from straightforward. Darnold, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has struggled with consistency. McCarthy, on the other hand, is still developing but has the talent and upside that could make him a franchise quarterback in the right system. Both options come with their own set of risks and rewards, and the Vikings must weigh several factors, including their current roster, long-term plans, and competitive window. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, explore the Vikings’ quarterback needs, and discuss how each option could fit into the team’s future.

Sam Darnold: The Veteran with Experience

Sam Darnold has had a rollercoaster career since entering the NFL as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His journey began with the New York Jets, where he was thrust into a rebuilding situation that never quite panned out. Darnold’s early years in the league were marked by inconsistent play, struggles with turnovers, and a lack of offensive weapons. Despite showing flashes of potential, he was unable to find sustained success in New York, and the Jets ultimately traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.

While his tenure in Carolina also featured some ups and downs, Darnold showed flashes of the talent that made him a highly sought-after prospect coming out of USC. He has the physical tools: a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make all the necessary throws. However, it’s been his decision-making and consistency that have held him back. In 2022, Darnold had a career resurgence with the Panthers, stepping in to start for an injured Baker Mayfield and leading the team to a respectable 4-2 record over the final stretch of the season. His performance was enough to give hope that he could still be a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he has yet to fully capitalize on that potential.

In 2023, Darnold was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he would be expected to back up starter Brock Purdy. The 49ers’ offensive system, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, has proven to be a quarterback-friendly scheme, maximizing the potential of even lesser-known quarterbacks. If Darnold can thrive in this environment, his stock will rise significantly, making him a potential target for teams like the Vikings in 2025. His experience and familiarity with a system that values accuracy, timing, and decision-making would make him a reliable option for a team looking for a short-term solution under center.

Why the Vikings Might Commit to Sam Darnold

1. Proven Experience: Darnold’s experience is one of his biggest assets. The Vikings would be getting a quarterback who has been through the rigors of starting in the NFL. His understanding of defensive schemes, the speed of the game, and the pressure that comes with being an NFL quarterback would help him transition seamlessly into Minnesota’s system. Darnold would provide stability and leadership to a team that may need a bridge quarterback before they find their long-term solution.
2. Short-Term Solution: While Darnold may not be the long-term answer for the Vikings, he could be an ideal stopgap option for a team that is in win-now mode. The Vikings have a roster that is capable of competing for a playoff spot in the near future, and having a veteran quarterback at the helm could allow them to maximize their window of contention. Darnold, if given the right offensive pieces and protection, could perform at a high enough level to lead the Vikings into the postseason.
3. Familiarity with a Similar System: Darnold’s time in San Francisco, learning from a coach like Shanahan, could be beneficial for his potential fit in Minnesota’s offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell, much like Shanahan, values a balanced offense that emphasizes play-action, timing, and quick decisions. Darnold, having played in a similar system, could integrate into the Vikings’ offense quickly and effectively.
4. Veteran Presence for Young Talent: Committing to Darnold could allow the Vikings to develop a young quarterback behind him. If they draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, Darnold could serve as a mentor, offering guidance and support as the rookie quarterback learns the ropes. This scenario would allow Minnesota to maximize its investment in a young player while also competing in the short term.

The Risks of Committing to Darnold

1. Inconsistent Play: Despite his flashes of talent, Darnold has never been able to string together a consistently high level of play over a full season. His struggles with turnovers, decision-making, and accuracy have been well-documented. The Vikings would be taking a significant risk by committing to a quarterback with a career that has been defined by inconsistency.
2. Limited Upside: While Darnold could offer solid play in the short term, his ceiling may be limited. It’s unlikely that he will develop into a franchise quarterback capable of carrying a team deep into the playoffs or to a Super Bowl. If the Vikings are looking for a player to lead them to long-term success, Darnold may not be the answer.

J.J. McCarthy: The High-Upside Prospect

J.J. McCarthy, a rising star at Michigan, has quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in college football. As of 2024, McCarthy has shown remarkable poise, accuracy, and athleticism, making him a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing a powerful arm, McCarthy has the physical tools to thrive at the next level. His ability to make pinpoint throws on the run, combined with his athleticism, gives him the kind of upside that excites NFL scouts.

During his time at Michigan, McCarthy led the Wolverines to multiple Big Ten championships and a College Football Playoff appearance, solidifying his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He has proven capable of performing in high-pressure situations, demonstrating leadership and composure in big games. Additionally, McCarthy’s mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a dual-threat quarterback who can cause problems for defenses both through the air and on the ground.

Why the Vikings Might Commit to J.J. McCarthy

1. High-Upside Talent: McCarthy is a quarterback with elite potential. While he still has room to develop, his physical traits and skill set are among the best in the 2025 draft class. The Vikings could be enticed by the idea of securing a young, dynamic quarterback who has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for the next decade. If McCarthy lives up to his potential, he could elevate the Vikings’ offense to new heights, leading them to sustained success.
2. The Future of the Franchise: If the Vikings are looking to build a long-term contender, committing to McCarthy would be a step toward securing their future at the quarterback position. Developing a young quarterback with high upside could set the stage for Minnesota to contend for years to come. McCarthy’s skill set, combined with the offensive weapons already in place (such as Justin Jefferson), could make him an ideal fit in Minnesota’s system.
3. Dual-Threat Ability: McCarthy’s ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs adds another dimension to the Vikings’ offense. His mobility would allow Minnesota to use more creative play-calling, including designed quarterback runs, read-option plays, and more improvisational opportunities. This dual-threat ability could provide the Vikings with a more dynamic offense, giving opposing defenses additional challenges to prepare for.
4. Learning Behind a Veteran: If the Vikings decide to draft McCarthy, they could opt to have him sit behind a veteran quarterback, such as Sam Darnold, to learn the ropes before becoming the full-time starter. This approach would allow McCarthy to develop in a low-pressure environment, giving him time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.

The Risks of Committing to McCarthy

1. Inexperience: Despite McCarthy’s success in college, the transition to the NFL is always difficult for young quarterbacks. While he has shown promise, he has not yet faced the level of competition or the complexity of NFL defenses. It may take time for him to adjust to the speed and intricacies of the pro game. Committing to McCarthy would involve a leap of faith that he can make that transition and succeed in the NFL.
2. Growing Pains: Like any rookie quarterback, McCarthy will likely experience growing pains. Even the most talented quarterbacks often struggle with consistency in their first few seasons, and the Vikings would need to be patient as McCarthy adjusts to the NFL. This could mean a few rough seasons for the Vikings as McCarthy develops into a top-tier quarterback.