The Minnesota Vikings are optimistic about quarterback Sam Darnold having a significant impact on their team, similar to how Geno Smith revived his career with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith had a breakout performance after years as a backup, and the Vikings hope Darnold can follow a similar trajectory.
This perspective arises as the Vikings also bring in J.J. McCarthy, a highly-touted rookie from Michigan, who signed a fully guaranteed $21.85 million deal after being the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler discussed the Vikings’ quarterback situation, emphasizing that while McCarthy is financially valued as a starter, he will need to prove himself significantly to secure the starting position by Week 1.
The team is enthusiastic about Darnold’s potential, particularly given the strong supporting cast he now has, including star players like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones. Darnold’s past struggles are attributed to not having had such talent around him previously.
The Vikings’ strategy involves not rushing McCarthy into play but rather allowing him to develop at a natural pace. They are committed to playing him when he is ready but won’t hold him back unnecessarily. Meanwhile, Darnold serves as a bridge quarterback, offering the potential for a career resurgence akin to Smith’s with the Seahawks.
Smith’s successful season included leading the league in completion percentage, throwing 30 touchdowns, and taking Seattle to the playoffs, an outcome the Vikings would find highly favorable if replicated by Darnold.
Darnold’s NFL journey began with the New York Jets as the third overall pick in 2018. After three seasons, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he experienced inconsistent starts over two years before moving to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 as a backup. Now with the Vikings, he has the opportunity to be the primary starter until McCarthy is deemed ready to take over.
Darnold is set to lead the Vikings into the regular season, starting with a game against the New York Giants on September 8. This new chapter offers him a platform to demonstrate the skills that made him a top prospect, with the added benefit of a robust offensive lineup. A performance mirroring Geno Smith’s revitalization would be a significant success for both Darnold and the Vikings.
