The Minnesota Vikings benefited from having veteran QB Sam Darnold exceed expectations by a wide margin in 2024. The former top draft pick of the New York Jets turned himself from a Big Apple into a Cinderella story with Minnesota.
In some people’s eyes, Darnold’s emergence, though, has complicated the Vikings decision-making in terms of what to do for 2025 and beyond at the position.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg was the latest person to add their two cents to the situation. He shared his thoughts on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.
“I think Sam Darnold has proved that he’s more than good enough in this Vikings offense..
I think Minnesota will look to trade JJ McCarthy”@Espngreeny #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nuNjqaSGkv
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 7, 2025
Greenberg’s main argument, however, is the same argument one could make for why the Vikings should keep McCarthy. He states that McCarthy would be the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which he would be, so that makes him more valuable to other teams.
For the Vikings though, it allows them to have significant insurance at the most important position on the team. Could they give Darnold a short-term extension or franchise tag him? Sure, but McCarthy has clearly been the future for this team, and that hasn’t changed.
If anything, Darnold’s performance this year against the Lions cements the fact they need more out of the position and he cannot bring that.
