Chorus of NFL Insiders Capture QB Chaos While Placing Vikings in Eye of the Storm
Next week should be a fascinating time for the Vikings. Most prominently, there’s a major quarterback decision that needs to be made.
A chorus of NFL insiders have jumped into action to explain what’s taking place behind the scenes for several prominent passers in the league. For a variety of reasons, the Vikings are right in the mix, suggesting that things could be chaotic on Monday.
The NFL Insiders & The Vikings’ QB Chaos
One thing is certain: J.J. McCarthy is coming back to compete to be Minnesota’s QB1.
In fact, The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero sent along a great health update: “Last year’s first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, is expected to be cleared to practice this spring after missing his rookie season because of meniscus surgery. With Darnold on the way out, McCarthy’s time could be coming sooner than later. But they still want to add a veteran.”
Consider, as well, another word from Pelissero. Sam Darnold is looking like a goner: “With the Geno Smith trade opening a spot in Seattle, Sam Darnold is not expected to return to the #Vikings, who are now focused on other options they’ve been pursuing in recent weeks, sources tell The Insiders. Those options include re-signing Daniel Jones, who is mulling multiple opportunities.”
Pelissero’s NFL Network colleague Ian Rapoport largely agrees but adds some extra seasoning. Consider the Rapoport update:
With Geno Smith headed to the #Raiders, the fallout is dramatic:
— The #Seahawks turn their attention to Sam Darnold, which means..
— The #Vikings time with Darnold is likely over as they turn their eyes to Daniel Jones, though…
— Daniel Jones has options, with Minnesota and the #Colts being among them.
— Aaron Rodgers lurks, considering the Giants with the Vikings as a dark horse.
— Justin Fields has a strong market, as the #Steelers work to re-sign him, but the #Jets and others have interest.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini offers a similar set of updates. Take a look at what she passed along:
As free agency approaches, the QB carousel is beginning to spin:
- Decision makers around the league expect Sam Darnold to end up in Seattle on a multi-year deal
- Minnesota will attempt to pivot and sign Daniel Jones, who is receiving interest from the Colts
- The Vikings could show interest in Aaron Rodgers if they are unable to re-sign Jones
- Justin Fields, wanted back in Pittsburgh, is expected to test the market
Predictably, the fast-and-furious updates captured some people’s attention. Consider, for instance, what ESPN’s Kevin Seifert had to say: “This projected sentence — “The Vikings moved on to Aaron Rodgers after missing out on Daniel Jones” — seems preposterous enough to disqualify it as a real possibility. But the world is a preposterous place…”
Indeed, the world can certainly be an odd place and we are living in odd times.
Nevertheless, some added thoughts to help decode what’s taking place. I continue to believe that Aaron Rodgers could very plausibly have interest in becoming a Viking. Throwing to Justin Jefferson while having plays designed by Kevin O’Connell — which is to say nothing of getting revenge on the Packers — does have its appeal. What’s more uncertain is whether the Vikings will reciprocate the interest; I’m very skeptical.
Darnold departing for Seattle would make a lot of sense. The cumulative weight of the recent reports makes it appear as though coming back to Minnesota is very, very unlikely.
J.J. McCarthy, 22, is going into a season where he’ll have a modest $4,966,999 cap charge. The great uncertainty is that he has never thrown an NFL pass apart from a single preseason game. One wonders, then, if bringing Daniel Jones back for a contract similar to the one Darnold signed last offseason would make sense. Jones, 27, has played in 70 career NFL games.
On Monday, March 10th, we’ll all start gaining a lot more clarity.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on social media (Bluesky & Twitter). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.
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