The Minnesota Vikings spent big money to replace departed top player Danielle Hunter. Jonathan Greenard is foreseen to be the new leader of the pass rush. Justin Jefferson is the league’s highest-paid player (quarterbacks excluded), and the Vikings also invested a lot in the draft, coming out of the first round with not only one but two highly-touted prospects.
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Alabama’s standout Dallas Turner was the betting favorite to be the first defender drafted, but he fell all the way to the 17th draft choice when the Vikings traded up for him. J.J. McCarthy was a controversial prospect, mainly because his counting statistics couldn’t match those of his first-round peers, but he has all the tools to become the long-term solution in Minnesota.
However, to see the field, he must earn the job, beating 2018 third-overall pick Sam Darnold. Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus, thinks the acquisition was Minnesota’s best offseason decision.
The Vikings made some big splashes by re-signing Justin Jefferson and drafting J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, but the Sam Darnold addition is the one that could have a big payout.
Darnold will not be the franchise quarterback, but signing him for 2024 gives the Vikings flexibility to not rush McCarthy into action while the team remains competitive. For the flexibility and patience he allows Minnesota to have with McCarthy, Darnold was worth the $10 million this year.
Trevor Sikkema, PFF
Darnold’s situation is quite fascinating, as he was viewed as an extremely talented quarterback coming out of college. The former USC player and expected first overall pick “fell” to the third spot, where the Jets swooped him.
He encountered an underwhelming supporting cast in New York for three years and could hardly elevate his game. Still a raw player in 2021, the Panthers traded for him. Once again, Darnold had to compete in a situation with dysfunction and lacking talent around him. He started six games in 2022, and that stretch was undoubtedly the best of his career. Last season, Darnold backed up Brock Purdy in San Francisco.
Minnesota’s hope is that he can reach a new level in Minnesota’s explosive offense with decent coaching and Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison challenging defenders on the outside. T.J. Hockenson will also return at some point.
Darnold’s presence should provide a solid floor. If he can play at a low-end starting QB level, which is likely, it is good enough to keep McCarthy on the sidelines until he is truly ready. Before entering the spotlight, the rookie must feel comfortable with his new throwing mechanics and the playbook.
O’Connell said at the end of OTAs that Darnold is currently at the top of the depth chart: “We haven’t had to put out a depth chart or anything like that, but I would say Sam would be the guy I would look to based on the spring he’s had and, really, where he’s at in his career and his quarterback journey, and what he’s been able to do coming in and [hitting] the ground running and taking advantage of the competitive situation.”
Through six NFL seasons, Darnold has started 56 games and thrown for 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions. The Vikings dream of him reaching another level at age 27 with much more experience than in his previous stints. His one-year $10 million contract was a low-risk move.
