Should the Vikings change their plans and keep Sam Darnold instead of J.J. McCarthy? - Source: Getty
Sam Darnold's career renaissance with the Minnesota Vikings has all but assured that he'll be a starter in the 2025 season. The veteran quarterback is having the best season of his career, playing in a contender and close to making the first playoff start since he was the third overall pick in the 2018 draft.
This was not the Vikings' Plan A. They signed Darnold in free agency, but they also used a first-round pick in Michigan's quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whom they planned to take over midseason. However, McCarthy suffered a serious injury during preseason, and the 2024 team was Darnold's team.
The veteran quarterback is putting in impressive performances. He has 28 passing touchdowns and 68.4% of completed passes, both career highs by a large margin. It's noticeable how well he's playing, but in a one-year contract, it's likely that the Vikings will turn to McCarthy in 2025 once he's fully healthy.
