After trading up in the first round of this year’s draft to select their quarterback of the future in J.J McCarthy, all indications are the Minnesota Vikings plan to let him learn behind Sam Darnold for at least the start of training camp according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year deal this off-season and plan to utilize that contract in full as their starter.
Minnesota Vikings GM on McCarthy: “We’re not going to rush his development”
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Minnesota has expressed patience when it comes to McCarthy making his way to the field. According to General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, they are not planning on rushing his development and will do what’s best for the team whether it’s short or long-term.
McCarthy soared up draft boards during Michigan’s national championship run and is the youngest of the six quarterbacks selected in the first round of his class. In his outstanding 2023 campaign for the Wolverines, McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions despite being a run-heavy offense. He also completed 72.3 percent of his passes, which would lead the NFL in 2023 by over three percentage points.
McCarthy Set Up to Take Over Starting Job in 2025-26 Season
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Despite the consistency and winning mentality that McCarthy brings to the table, holding him back and letting him learn behind a veteran will eliminate some of the early mistakes rookie quarterbacks make. This strategy has worked for multiple stars under center in today’s league. Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Jordan Love, Lamar Jackson, the list goes on.
The 21-year-old rookie will likely begin training camp behind Darnold, but it won’t be long before the national champion will get his shot to lead this offense. Only signing Darnold for one season indicates that Minnesota was always looking to draft and develop a young quarterback. Odds are McCarthy will get that opportunity at the start of next season or possibly even sooner if Darnold is not the answer to their immediate replacement for Kirk Cousins.
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