Local Insider: Sam Darnold set for Vikings Starting QB in few days.
The Minnesota Vikings’ main concern heading into the offseason was how they would manage the quarterback position. We have more answers than we had a few months ago, thanks to the departure of Kirk Cousins, the signing of Sam Darnold, and the pick of J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings were interested in re-signing Kirk Cousins, but they would never offer the absurdly high guarantees that the Atlanta Falcons chose. Kevin O’Connell gave himself a young, experienced player who he thinks can lead his offense by signing Sam Darnold.
If this is accurate, J.J. McCarthy will be free to study without feeling compelled to act before he is ready. However, since Darnold has not yet demonstrated his ability to be a reliable starter in the NFL, we are unsure of the veracity of any of it.
Because of this, there have been conflicting rumors and proposals regarding McCarthy’s exact takeover date. However, Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters is certain that McCarthy won’t take over in week one, stating in his Sunday piece that “there’s no doubt” Sam Darnold will open the season in that position. He continues by indicating that the second half of Minnesota’s schedule will probably mark the beginning of the JJ McCarthy era.
Without a doubt, Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract, will open the campaign. But McCarthy might get his first opportunity when the schedule starts to become easier in the middle.
That seems like the most sensible approach for the Vikings to adopt, and it provides a chance for both teams to ensure that their rookie from Michigan is prepared. McCarthy’s rookie season in the NFL will probably be largely determined by Darnold’s performance.
Sam Darnold’s failure to live up to previous expectations in terms of production may have something to do with his limited capacity to be more than an offseason all-star. However, given the supporting cast he has in Minnesota, this is undoubtedly his once-in-a-lifetime chance.
It seems like the Vikings want their rookie to wait if Sam is performing well and they are winning games. However, if they start to lose and Darnold turns out to be a bust—as everyone had assumed—then, if McCarthy is prepared for that move, adding him will start to make more sense.
Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had the chance to swing at a top quarterback prospect for the first time in their careers. Establishing the Vikings at the pinnacle of sports, both men’s long-term prospects hinge on their ability to mold McCarthy into a competent NFL signal caller.
