ESPN Reignites Big Vikings Trade Theory
Over the last few weeks, most Minnesota Vikings fans and NFL-themed media have realized that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will likely lead the purple team into the future, leaving 2024 QB1 Sam Darnold to try on a new team for size.
ESPN Reignites Big Vikings Trade Theory
That’s the state of the Vikings’ offseason, with free agency just two weeks away.
However, ESPN rolled up last week and reignited a once-bold theory — trading McCarthy and keeping Darnold. Aaron Schatz predicted bold moves around the NFL this offseason, and for Minnesota, he suggested a McCarthy trade.
“This seems like an absurd idea after the poor wild-card game Darnold had in the playoffs against the Rams, but that was just one game against a very strong, young defensive line. For the entire regular season, Darnold was surprisingly good, ranking 14th in QBR even after adjustments for the players around him,” Schatz wrote. “He will still be just 28 next season, and he probably could be signed for a similar contract to the one Daniel Jones signed with the Giants; the Vikings would have a reasonable out after a couple of seasons if Darnold does not continue to play at a high level.”
Darnold delivered 36 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024, along with 4,319 passing yards. Accordingly, Schatz claimed Minnesota should hand Darnold a long-term extension, even if he faceplanted in the season’s final two games.
“Signing Darnold to a long-term deal would also allow the Vikings to trade McCarthy. He would likely be the top-ranked quarterback in the 2025 class if he was in the upcoming draft. McCarthy won’t garner a top pick because he has one less season on his rookie contract than Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward will have, but he could get the Vikings a package of picks that would help to replenish their draft allotment,” Schatz added.
“The Vikings currently have just three picks in the 2025 draft — none in the second, third or fourth rounds — and likely a fourth pick when compensatory picks are handed out.”
The trade-McCarthy idea could possibly make sense if Darnold has led Minnesota to the Super Bowl or perhaps the NFC title game. He did not. He vanished when it mattered the most.
Meanwhile, the Vikings don’t view McCarthy as a risky flyer regarding the future. They drafted him to be “the guy” at quarterback. Darnold was only in town on “bridge quarterback” duty last season. And when McCarthy tore his meniscus, well, the strategy paid off.
NFL free agency gets underway in 14 days with “legal tampering,” and McCarthy trade theories should die for good once Darnold finds a new team.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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