Sam Darnold Proved Why J.J. McCarthy Will Be the Vikings QB1 in 2025

In a season filled with unexpected twists and turns, the Minnesota Vikings are already looking toward their future. One name that has quietly emerged in discussions about their quarterback situation is J.J. McCarthy, the talented Michigan Wolverines quarterback who has been lighting up the college football scene. But it was Sam Darnold, of all people, who inadvertently provided a glimpse into why McCarthy is the perfect fit to be the Vikings’ QB1 in 2025.

Darnold, the current backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, had a rare opportunity to start in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Brock Purdy recovering from a concussion, Darnold’s performance underscored why teams need a quarterback who can consistently deliver under pressure. Unfortunately for Darnold, his outing was less than inspiring. He completed 15 of 28 passes for 172 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception in a 31-17 loss. While the game itself may not have been remarkable, it highlighted the importance of having a quarterback with elite decision-making skills, accuracy, and leadership qualities — traits McCarthy has been showcasing all season.

The Vikings have been navigating a transitional year under the leadership of Kirk Cousins, who, despite putting up impressive numbers, remains a polarizing figure among fans and analysts. Cousins’ future in Minnesota is uncertain, especially after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 8. With Cousins in the final year of his contract, the Vikings have a golden opportunity to reset their quarterback room and invest in a younger, more dynamic option. Enter J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy’s skill set aligns perfectly with the modern NFL. The 6’3” quarterback boasts a rocket arm, exceptional mobility, and a knack for making plays in high-pressure situations. Through the first half of the 2024 college football season, McCarthy has thrown for over 2,000 yards with an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to read defenses, extend plays with his legs, and deliver pinpoint passes downfield has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top dual-threat quarterbacks.

What makes McCarthy even more appealing is his leadership. As the Wolverines’ signal-caller, he’s demonstrated poise and maturity beyond his years, guiding Michigan to an undefeated record and a top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. His commitment to excellence and ability to rally his teammates are qualities the Vikings desperately need in their next franchise quarterback.

Darnold’s performance against the Bengals serves as a cautionary tale for teams that settle for mediocrity at the quarterback position. While Darnold has had flashes of brilliance throughout his career, his inconsistency has made it clear that he’s not the answer for teams with championship aspirations. For the Vikings, this is a critical reminder to aim higher and prioritize finding a quarterback who can elevate the team to new heights.

The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft provides the perfect opportunity for the Vikings to secure their quarterback of the future. With McCarthy projected to be a first-round pick, Minnesota could use their draft capital to make a bold move and ensure they land their guy. Pairing McCarthy with the Vikings’ talented core of playmakers, including Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, could create one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

As the Vikings prepare for the second half of the season, all eyes will be on how they navigate their quarterback situation. While there’s still plenty of football left to play, it’s clear that the franchise needs a fresh start under center. Thanks to Sam Darnold’s less-than-stellar performance, the case for J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings’ QB1 in 2025 has never been stronger. The future is bright in Minnesota, and McCarthy could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential.