Sam Darnold has made a significant impact in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the franchise’s winningest quarterback in a single season during Week 17. Darnold also made history as the first NFL QB to win 14 games in his debut season with a new team. His projected backup and future replacement, J.J. McCarthy, has missed the entire season due to a torn meniscus. Despite his injury, McCarthy continues to show strong support for his teammates. On December 29, following the Vikings’ 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, McCarthy posted on X, expressing his love for the team.
The Vikings’ Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers keeps their hopes for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC alive, setting up a crucial Week 18 showdown with the Detroit Lions. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert shared on X that this will be only the fourth time in NFL history that two teams with 10+ wins above .500 will face off, according to @EliasSports. The last such matchup occurred in 2005 between the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts. Prior to that, there were games between the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys in 1983, and the Frankford Yellow Jackets and Chicago Bears in 1926.
J.J. McCarthy Gets Bad News on Vikings QB1 Prospects
The Vikings’ decision to trade up for J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 draft came with the plan for Sam Darnold to start while McCarthy developed. However, McCarthy’s torn meniscus in the preseason and subsequent surgeries have thrown a wrench into the plan, leaving his recovery uncertain. Darnold, meanwhile, has exceeded expectations, leading to a shift in the Vikings’ thinking. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Vikings now want Darnold back for 2025. While McCarthy is still expected to be healthy for the start of next season, his recovery will likely not be fully settled until after free agency and the 2025 draft. This leaves the Vikings with a decision on the quarterback position moving forward, as Darnold’s strong play has complicated the original plan to groom McCarthy as the future starter.
The possibility of Sam Darnold staying with the Vikings in 2025 remains a topic of discussion. Bleacher Report’s James Palmer noted on December 26 that while official talks have not yet taken place, there is growing belief within the organization and around the league that the Vikings will try to retain Darnold. Whether that happens through a contract extension or franchise tag remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, McCarthy had started to show significant progress before his injury, and there’s speculation that he could face competition for the starting quarterback position even if Darnold departs. The Vikings’ quarterback situation for 2025 appears to be evolving, with Darnold’s strong play keeping him firmly in the conversation for the long-term future of the team, despite McCarthy’s potential.
Daniel Jones Looms as Threat for Vikings QB1 Role
The Vikings’ quarterback situation could be further complicated by the addition of Daniel Jones, who was signed by the team in free agency after being waived by the New York Giants. Jones, a former first-round pick, has a preexisting relationship with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, which could make him a viable option for the team moving forward, especially if Darnold leaves.
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Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy, who is O’Connell’s protege, has been an enthusiastic supporter of his coach, reflecting their strong bond. McCarthy has continued to show confidence in O’Connell, further solidifying his position within the team despite the competition from both Darnold and potentially Jones. With Jones now in the mix and McCarthy’s recovery progressing, the Vikings’ quarterback room could have several interesting dynamics as the 2025 season approaches.
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