JJ McCarthy may have knowledge regarding Sam Darnold and the Vikings that we do not.
In the NFL, rumors and speculation often run rampant, especially as the offseason approaches and teams begin to retool their rosters for the next season. For the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback play has been an area of focus for several years now. Kirk Cousins, though productive, has always been a subject of debate for Vikings fans and analysts alike. While he has led the team to the playoffs in multiple seasons, he has also been unable to get over the hump in the most critical moments. This has left the Vikings searching for a potential quarterback of the future.
Enter JJ McCarthy, the Michigan Wolverines’ star quarterback, who recently garnered attention in connection with the Vikings. At the same time, rumors have surfaced surrounding Sam Darnold, the former third overall pick in the NFL Draft, and whether he could find a home in Minnesota. While on the surface these two quarterbacks—McCarthy and Darnold—might seem unrelated to the Vikings’ situation, there are a number of angles to consider.
Could JJ McCarthy know something that we don’t about the Vikings’ potential plans regarding Sam Darnold? Might McCarthy be more involved in the Vikings’ quarterback situation than initially thought? Let’s break down these possibilities, considering the Vikings’ quarterback landscape, McCarthy’s potential role, and Sam Darnold’s status in the league.
Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Situation: A Constant Debate
Over the past few seasons, the Vikings’ quarterback position has been a source of frustration. While Kirk Cousins is a capable quarterback, he has been viewed by many as someone who can put up impressive numbers but fails to win the big games when it matters most. His record in prime-time games and the playoffs, particularly the recent divisional loss to the New York Giants in 2024, has fueled growing speculation about his future in Minnesota.
Cousins is under contract with the Vikings through the 2025 season, but his future beyond that is uncertain. Minnesota has not drafted a quarterback in the first round in recent years, relying instead on Cousins to guide them. However, given his contract situation and the fact that he’s nearing the tail end of his career, there is an increasing sense that the Vikings will eventually look for their quarterback of the future.
This is where McCarthy and Darnold come into play. While McCarthy has not yet declared for the 2025 NFL Draft (at the time of writing), his name is already being linked with NFL teams as a potential first-round selection. On the other hand, Sam Darnold, a former third overall pick, has had a rocky career since entering the NFL but remains a talented quarterback with the potential for a revival. Could the Vikings be eyeing both McCarthy and Darnold as they seek to make a move at the quarterback position?
JJ McCarthy: Michigan’s Star QB with Draft Implications
JJ McCarthy has been a revelation for the Michigan Wolverines over the past few seasons, helping lead the team to the College Football Playoff and maintaining a level of consistency and success in the Big Ten. He is widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his skill set has earned him comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in recent memory.
McCarthy’s combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. He has the ability to make all the throws required at the professional level, including deep passes, precision throws on the move, and touch passes in tight windows. While McCarthy still has areas to refine, including his decision-making under pressure and his ability to read defenses at the NFL level, his potential is undeniable.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, McCarthy’s name has been linked with multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings may very well see McCarthy as the future of their franchise, someone who can eventually replace Kirk Cousins and help lead them to playoff success. McCarthy’s leadership on and off the field has earned him respect, and if he declares for the draft, Minnesota could target him as part of their long-term strategy at the quarterback position.
But why might McCarthy have knowledge about the Vikings’ pursuit of Sam Darnold? What connection could McCarthy possibly have with Darnold, and why would he be in a position to know something the public does not?
Sam Darnold: The Former No. 3 Pick Searching for Redemption
Sam Darnold’s career has been an enigma. After being selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Darnold showed flashes of brilliance, but his tenure with the Jets was marred by inconsistent play and a lack of supporting talent around him. In 2021, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in hopes of finding a fresh start. However, injuries and more inconsistency plagued his time in Carolina, and the Panthers ultimately moved on from him.
Despite his struggles, Darnold remains a highly talented quarterback with all the physical tools necessary to succeed in the NFL. His arm strength, mobility, and natural ability to make plays on the run have not gone unnoticed. However, he has often been criticized for his decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations.
As the 2024 season unfolded, Darnold’s name again began to surface in trade rumors and as a potential reclamation project for teams looking to add depth or bring in a veteran quarterback. Some experts have suggested that Darnold could be an ideal candidate for a team like the Vikings to bring in as a backup or developmental quarterback, especially with a new offensive coordinator potentially looking to revitalize his career.
So, what does this have to do with JJ McCarthy?
The McCarthy-Darnold Connection: A Potential Insight Into the Vikings’ Plans
It’s possible that McCarthy, who played under head coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, has spoken to people in the NFL world about teams like the Vikings and their quarterback strategies. While McCarthy is not yet in the NFL, it’s common for college players to have conversations with NFL scouts, coaches, and even current players during the draft process. This is especially true for a quarterback like McCarthy, who will be highly sought after in the 2025 NFL Draft.
McCarthy could have received insider information regarding the Vikings’ interest in Darnold, perhaps learning that Minnesota sees him as a viable backup option or a low-risk, high-reward project. It’s also possible that McCarthy, being well-connected within the football world, has been hearing whispers about how the Vikings are positioning themselves in the quarterback market.
Furthermore, McCarthy could be well aware of the Vikings’ potential to draft him while also considering that they may want a veteran like Darnold on the roster as a safety net. McCarthy’s own interest in the Vikings could come with the understanding that Darnold might be a part of the team’s quarterback room for 2025 and beyond.
What This Could Mean for the Vikings
If McCarthy is indeed aware of the Vikings’ interest in both him and Sam Darnold, it suggests that the Vikings may be pursuing a multi-faceted strategy at quarterback. Here are a few potential scenarios:
- Drafting McCarthy and Adding Darnold as a Backup: The Vikings may target McCarthy in the 2025 NFL Draft as their quarterback of the future, while also signing Darnold to provide veteran depth behind him. Darnold could be brought in as a stabilizing force for the short term, allowing McCarthy to develop at his own pace. The combination of a rookie quarterback and a veteran with starting experience could give the Vikings flexibility and depth.
- Targeting Darnold as a Short-Term Solution: The Vikings may also look to sign Darnold and make him the starting quarterback for 2025, while they draft McCarthy as his eventual replacement. In this scenario, Darnold would have the opportunity to prove himself in a new system, with McCarthy learning under his tutelage before taking over the reins.
- McCarthy and Darnold Competing for the Starting Job: Another possibility is that the Vikings bring in both McCarthy and Darnold, allowing the two to compete for the starting role in 2025. This scenario would create an interesting quarterback competition and could provide the Vikings with the best of both worlds: a rookie with high potential and a veteran who could offer stability in the short term.
