Regret is the word synonymous with Minnesota’s 2025 campaign. Team management decided to be cautious in regards to Sam Darnold’s contract, and opted to let him walk in free agency. As a result, they fielded perhaps one of the worst QB rooms In NFL history. Simultaneously, Darnold went on to immediately winning the big game with his new squad in Seattle. Now, they hope that bringing in a former first overall pick can help their fortunes. However, the question rises, what happens to McCarthy?
Kirk Cousins’ Departure
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
After a long tenure in Minnesota filled to the brim with memories, Kirk Cousins was set to hit free agency. In his five years, he passed for 23,265 yards and 171 TDs. His contract was running up, and The Vikings didn’t want to match his $45 million AAV. So, they let him reach the market. This left a massive vacancy at the game’s biggest position, but upper management had a plan.
Sam Darnold’s Signing
August 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Before the draft, as an insurance measure, Minnesota brought in Sam Darnold. After a tumultuous journey as starter, Darnold accepted his role as a backup and joined the 49ers as a second stringer for one year. He saw little playing time, but learning under Kyle Shanahan was bound to pay dividends.
J.J McCarthy’s Draft Rise
Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan quarterback J J McCarthy (QB05) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The one issue with JJ McCarthy coming out of college was his lack of experience. Additionally, there were fears surrounding his lack of workload considering the run-first scheme he was fostered in. Despite that, the upside was obvious. Whenever he did have to throw, he appeared poised and flashed his rocket arm. You always have the unexpected QB riser during the leadup to the draft. For 2024’s class, McCarthy was the prototypical raw QB who could be molded into something greater.
Minnesota’s QB Gamble
Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warm up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Having Darnold in their back pocket, Minnesota decided that they would be the right fit with McCarthy. So much so, that they even traded up a selection to secure the Michigan QB. In all fairness, the selection made quite a bit of sense at the time. The Vikings were the best landing spot for McCarthy’s development. Not only did the presence of Sam Darnold not necessitate McCarthy tk start, the offensive nucleus is a very favorable for a young QB. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson and a rising o-line in Kevin O’Connell’s system were shaping up a perfect spot for McCarthy to inherit.
McCarthy’s Injury
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Unfortunately J. J. McCarthy hit a roadblock. Though it was pretty clear he’d ride the bench for the year behind Sam Darnold anyways, his chance at competing for the spot was ripped away by a torn meniscus which required a full repair.
The Sam Darnold Run
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Darnold manned the ship after, and played outstanding relative to his expectations. He passed for over 4,000 yards, 35 TDs and led his squad to a 14-3 record. Those three losses were concerning though. Whenever opposing pressure wasn’t kept in check, Darnold seemed to lose his cool. That flaw reared its ugly head come playoff time. His promising and career best campaign ended with a whimper, as the Rams throttled the Vikings in a 27-9 wildcard affair where Darnold was sacked 9 times.
The Vikings’ Offseason plan
Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warm up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Given how the season ended, and the cash allocation plan for Minnesota, Sam Darnold left for free agency without a new deal. While he was picked up by Seattle, the Vikings pivoted towards laying the groundwork for J.J. McCarthy, he was quickly named the starter, and the team went into 2025 with optimism.
An Unmitigated Disaster
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (57) causes a fumble by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) that is recovered by defensive end Barryn Sorrell (99) in the fourth quarter during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Unfortunately, the Vikings witnessed one of the worst QB rooms In NFL history take the field. McCarthy himself showed poise and flashed, but had plenty of low-lights which put his future into question. Worst of all, he struggled to stay healthy, leading to Carson Wentz suiting up. The limitations were obvious with Wentz, as he lost three of his five starts, three 5 interceptions and just 6 TDs, only to then be shut down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Next in line was UDFA Max Brosmer, who had his first ever start against Seattle’s eventual Super Bowl winning defense. Needless to say, he didn’t fare well either. The trio combined for an average EPA per-play rate of – 0.25, marking a miracle that somehow the team ended the year with a positive record.
Kyler Murray’s Release
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
At the same time, Kyler Murray’s time with Arizona was running up. Murray was selected first overall back in 2019. He brought great memories for the team, but following a playoff berth in 2021, the team couldn’t get over the hump. Continually disappointing campaigns were headlined by the limitations of Murray. It was clear that he had talent, but seemed to not fit the offense in place and couldn’t compensate for Arizona’s roster deficiencies. So, with a rebuild imminent, the Cardinals decided to release their former face of the franchise.
The Murray Signing
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes against the Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
It didn’t take long for Murray to find a new home though. Minnesota called and were adamant about securing the former first overall pick. Given the fact that he is still being paid $36.8 million by Arizona, the Vikings will get his services for just $1.3 million.
What’s Next For McCarthy?
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Similar to Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis, McCarthy will undergo a camp battle for the starting job. However, given how eager the Vikings were to bring in Murray, things don’t bode well for his future. It’ll all become clear come late August though, as the Vikings’ signal-caller will be revealed after a long training camp.
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