Vikings' J.J. McCarthy predicted to lose starting job by NFL executive

J.J. McCarthy spent his entire rookie year on the sideline. 

Not for lack of skill or being beaten out, he was simply hurt.

Now, he's waited his time and it looks like the Minnesota Vikings are clearing the way for their next potential franchise quarterback. 

The Vikings also signed QB Sam Howell as the prospective backup to McCarthy.

But what if Howell takes the starting job? That's what one anonymous NFL executive proposed in a piece from Mike Sando of The Athletic. 

"You know what's going to happen?" asked the anonymous exec. "J.J. is going to get banged up and Howell is going to walk in there and be the next Sam Darnold."

It would be a wild case of déjà vu for the 2024 first-round pick. McCarthy had potential to take the starting quarterback job in his rookie season, but he suffered a torn meniscus and never got the chance to show what he could do.

Sam Darnold stepped in and led the Vikings to a 14-3 record. Now he's moved on to Seattle and Howell has come to Minnesota. 

If this NFL executive is right, it would be the second straight year that McCarthy gets hurt and loses his chance to be under center for the Vikings.

"Howell is going to walk in there and be the next Sam Darnold."

-Anonymous NFL executive

In 2023, Howell was the starter for the Washington Commanders. He threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. They finished 4-13 at the bottom of the NFC East. It was a blessing in disguise because it set Washington up to take Jayden Daniels in the following draft.

If Howell was to take the starting job in Minnesota, it would be a heel turn. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has a great track record with quarterbacks and if he chose Howell over the first-round pick it would have to be for good reason.

It's an interesting theory, but the likelihood is still that J.J. McCarthy will be the week one starter for the Vikings.