Vikings Face QB Dilemma: Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy for 2025?
The Minnesota Vikings leadership met with local media ahead of the NFL Combine, leaving the franchise’s quarterback future shrouded in uncertainty. The key question: Will Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy lead the team in 2025?
McCarthy’s Journey from Sideline to Spotlight
Drafted 10th overall, J.J. McCarthy entered the NFL with immense promise but faced a season-ending meniscus injury during training camp. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah revealed that McCarthy was competing hard for the starting role before the injury.
“Last year, it was about whether McCarthy was mentally ready for the NFL,” Adofo-Mensah explained. “This year, it’s about whether he’s physically ready.”
While on injured reserve, McCarthy made the most of his “redshirt” season. He immersed himself in film study, even using a GoPro attached to Darnold’s helmet for a unique perspective. Now, as he rebuilds his mechanics and regains lost muscle mass, McCarthy has resumed throwing and on-field training.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell shared optimism about McCarthy’s progress:
“I’m very excited about where J.J.’s at… He’s right where we hoped he would be at this point to have the type of offseason to answer that question.”
However, O’Connell acknowledged the challenges ahead as McCarthy aims to prove himself ready for the starting role.
Darnold’s Strong Season Adds Complexity
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold exceeded expectations in his first year with Minnesota, guiding the team to a 14-win season—the best for a first-year Vikings QB. His performance complicates the decision to transition to McCarthy.
Reflecting on Darnold and McCarthy, O’Connell clarified:
“When I called J.J. our ‘young, franchise quarterback,’ it was to show how much we believe in his future. At the same time, Sam had an incredible training camp and played some of the best football of his career.”
Tough Choices Loom for Vikings
The Vikings face a critical decision: Should they retain Darnold, who offers proven success, or turn to McCarthy and his untapped potential? They must decide by March whether to franchise tag Darnold, negotiate a new deal, or bring in another veteran QB to compete.
O’Connell emphasized that the choice will hinge on one priority: winning.
“It’s about what gives us the best chance to win, what puts the best version of the Minnesota Vikings football team on the field.”
With multiple paths ahead, the Vikings’ quarterback situation promises to be one of the biggest offseason storylines. As O’Connell put it:
“We’re going to go through every layer of it… and decide the path that best helps us win games.”
