The Minnesota Vikings traded up from the 11th to the 10th spot in the 2024 NFL Draft to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Michigan. This move came after they moved on from quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason and they did not re-sign him. Minnesota also signed quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason.
Darnold for now is projected to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings. He has been a journeyman in the NFL. Sam Darnold has played for the New York Jets, the Carolina Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers. Darnold was the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
The McCarthy and Darnold battle in camp has been one of the biggest storylines for the Minnesota Vikings in training camp. Minnesota could very well finish in last place in the NFC North this season because of how good the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears, and the Detroit Lions will potentially be this season.
Minnesota Vikings Coach Staff Impressed With J.J. McCarthy Up To This Point
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been impressed with the quarterback battle between McCarthy and Darnold up to this point. O’Connell told the media about where the quarterback battle is heading:
“As far as the depth chart in that room, it’s pretty clear and obvious … it’s pretty darn even between Sam and J.J. Both guys have done a lot of really, really good things and some more notable, visually, than others. I also think both guys have made some mistakes with the football – learning mistakes where they’re trying to either see if they can squeeze a ball in over the middle before a safety can step in front or maybe not taking a chance down the field in a 1-on-1 where maybe that’s our best option.“
The Vikings have a very good wide receiver room with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and Addison had a very good rookie season. Justin Jefferson just received a contract extension and he deserves it.
It will be interesting to see who he catches pass from in Week 1 against the New York Giants. If Sam Darnold does not win the job to J.J. McCarthy, Darnold may never be a starting quarterback again in the NFL. McCarthy is only 21 years old. He has a lot of room to grow in this league. This will be a very telling story if J.J. McCarthy wins the starting job because he has been taking more reps with the first team.
