ESPN's Dan Graziano encourages Minnesota Vikings to move on from Sam Darnold, start JJ McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings have a decision to make at quarterback this offseason involving Sam Darnold and JJ McCarthy. Who gets the nod as their starter going forward?

Darnold, 27, is coming off the best season of his career and is an unrestricted free agent. McCarthy, 22, was selected 10th overall in last year’s NFL Draft, but missed his entire rookie season with a right knee injury. So, where do the Vikings go from here? ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano explained on Tuesday’s “Get Up” why he believes Minnesota should let Darnold walk in free agency and roll with McCarthy.

“I’m selling [signing Darnold] from the Vikings’ standpoint,” Graziano said. “I mean, they drafted JJ McCarthy in the top 10 last year. He is their quarterback of the future. At some point, he’s going to have to play. And they’ve really kind of constructed their roster plan around this idea that they’re going to have a starting quarterback on a rookie contract.

“It’s part of the reason they’re able to give Justin Jefferson the contract that he got, [it’s] part of the reason they were able to do the work they did last year in free agency. So, I think their plan has been to go to JJ McCarthy. And I think it probably, at this point, should be.” 

McCarthy is one year removed from leading Michigan to a College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Washington. The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal in free agency before selecting McCarthy.

McCarthy tore his meniscus in his right knee during the first preseason game. He underwent a second surgery in November to address swelling in the knee that developed after an increase in activity during the rehabilitation process. McCarthy is on track to return for the 2025 season.

ESPN analysts disagree on Sam Darnold, JJ McCarthy

While McCarthy was/has been rehabbing, Darnold played the best ball of his career. A former first round pick in his own right, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 66.2% passing. He led the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record, though Minnesota was bounced in the NFC Wild Card Round.

Now, Darnold has a chance to cash in — but will the Vikings go all-in on the late bloomer? Mike Tannenbaum, Graziano’s colleague, would if he were making the call.

“Sam Darnold played great football last year. 62 passes of 20 yards or more. 35 touchdowns,” Tannebaum said. “When it’s working, don’t fix it, don’t break it, keep it going. I love JJ McCarthy, saw him at a lot of practices at Michigan. If we have too much depth at the quarterback position, we’ll take it. Maybe somebody makes an offer we can’t refuse in August or September.

“Look, Sam Darnold had two terrible games at the end of the season. We know that, but over the body of the season — the object of the exercise is to acquire great, young, talented players — especially at the quarterback position. Keep Sam Darnold, keep JJ McCarthy, operate from a position of strength at the quarterback position.”