Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warm up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
It always stood to reason that the Minnesota Vikings would start Sam Darnold for Week 1 of the regular season. If there was any consideration for J.J. McCarthy, that was removed when Kevin O’Connell announced that his rookie signal caller would need knee surgery. The best situation that Darnold has ever been in is now entirely his to work with.
When the New York Jets drafted Sam Darnold in the first round, they did so believing he could be a franchise quarterback. Had the New York Jets not drafted Darnold, another organization would have, and they would have had the same aspirations for him. Coming out of USC, Darnold was a surefire first-round talent.
The Minnesota Vikings brought Darnold and McCarthy along during the leadup to this season. Darnold has always been the presumed starter, but he can turn his focus to that completely now. McCarthy won’t be taking his job any time soon, and if there was reason to believe that this would be a redshirt year for the Michigan signal caller, then now is as good of a reason as ever.
Nothing that Darnold did this offseason or during the preseason would ever matter. The entire crux of his NFL career hinges on his performance during the regular season. If he can develop chemistry with a standout set of playmakers and settle in as a legitimate talent, he could sign up for a new payday next year.
The news O’Connell shared on McCarthy was heartbreaking, given the amount of momentum McCarthy had generated. That said, this allows his young talent to slow down and observe. This could be a massive boost for McCarthy in the long run, and it may also benefit Darnold in the short term.
McCarthy’s best-case scenario would likely involve him being out for weeks, while his worst-case scenario would involve months. Darnold should not feel pressured by Nick Mullens or Jaren Hall. He can play with freedom that allows him to take total control of the offense.
It’s not a great situation to look into the position’s future, but this could definitely be worse.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.