As the Minnesota Vikings navigate a pivotal offseason, the spotlight is firmly on who will take over the quarterback reins. After finishing the 2022 season with an impressive 13-4 record and ruling the NFC North, the 2023 season dealt the team some tough blows.
The pressing question is: who will orchestrate this offense? Enter Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy.
Darnold, a first-round pick with the New York Jets in 2018 who also had a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, was signed on a one-year, $ 10 million deal. Meanwhile, McCarthy was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With these options in play, let’s delve into which quarterback is poised to start in Week 1.
Sam Darnold
The Vikings did not sign Sam Darnold on a whim. He was specifically chosen to replace Kirk Cousins, indicating a calculated move by the team. Darnold brings a wealth of NFL experience to the table, making him a strong candidate for the starting quarterback position. His journey in the league began with the Jets, where he was a three-year starter. Although his record with the Jets was a shaky 13-25, he did show flashes of potential, demonstrating consistency and efficiency on several occasions. This potential was further exemplified during his time with the Carolina Panthers, even though he eventually lost the starting role to Baker Mayfield.
Darnold’s stint with the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy’s backup allowed him to refine his skills and gain additional experience. This cumulative expertise is now being channeled into his role with the Vikings. He’s been taking almost all of the first-team reps during minicamp, a clear sign that the coaching staff is leaning towards him to start in Week 1. FanDuel’s NFL week 1 odds also have Darnold as the favorite to start, with -210 odds compared to McCarthy’s +162.
Backup quarterback Nick Mullens often steps in next for the time being, with rookie J.J. McCarthy following thereafter. This pecking order indicates that while McCarthy is the future, Darnold is the immediate solution.
Another compelling reason for Darnold to start is his role as a “bridge” quarterback. As the Vikings transition from the Cousins era to the McCarthy era, Darnold’s experience and poise make him an ideal interim solution. His familiarity with high-pressure situations and defensive reads can help smooth the transition, allowing the team to remain competitive while McCarthy develops. With star players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones at his disposal, Darnold has a potent offensive arsenal that can help elevate his performance.
Early signs strongly suggest that Darnold will be the starter come Week 1, offering a stable and experienced hand to guide the team through this transitional phase.
J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy, the promising young quarterback out of Michigan, is undoubtedly the future centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense. Drafted as the 10th overall pick, Minnesota invested heavily in him, even trading up one spot to secure their man. While the excitement surrounding McCarthy is palpable among fans and analysts, the Vikings have made it clear that they intend to play it safe with their rookie quarterback. According to Vikings beat reporter Kevin Seifert, the team has a carefully crafted development plan in place, designed to avoid the pitfalls that can derail a young quarterback’s career if they’re thrust into action too soon.
McCarthy’s college career with the Michigan Wolverines was notable but lacked extensive experience, with just 713 pass attempts under his belt. This limited exposure makes the cautious approach by Minnesota even more sensible. The plan is to allow McCarthy to acclimate to the NFL’s speed and complexities without the immediate pressure to deliver. Learning under the tutelage of veteran Sam Darnold provides McCarthy the opportunity to hone his skills, understand game strategies, and develop his leadership qualities without the high stakes of starting right away.
However, it’s essential to recognize that McCarthy hasn’t been ruled out as the Week 1 starter. His performance during training camp and preseason games will be closely monitored. If he demonstrates an elite grasp of the playbook, consistent execution, and poise under pressure, outshining Darnold, the coaching staff may very well give him the nod. But given the team’s methodical approach, it’s more likely that they’ll give him time to grow before assuming the mantle of starting quarterback.
The Vikings’ gauntlet of offensive weapons ensures that whenever McCarthy does take the reins, he’ll be supported by a formidable ensemble. For now, fans should remain patient, understanding that this careful grooming process aims to maximize McCarthy’s long-term success and, ultimately, the team’s future.
The Bottom Line
The most likely scenario is Darnold gets the nod in Week 1. However, the Vikings have an extremely difficult schedule for the first five weeks, which includes showdowns with the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets, and road games against the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers. If they come out of the gate slow, they could very well make the change to McCarthy following their Week 6 bye.
In the end, the Vikings’ choice between Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy reflects a balance between immediate competitiveness and future potential. Darnold offers stability and experience as a bridge quarterback, while McCarthy represents a promising future. This deliberate, strategic approach aims to ensure both quarterbacks are ready when their time comes, setting up the team for success now and in the seasons to come.
