The Minnesota Vikings are ushering in a new era at the quarterback position with veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy headlining the competition as training camp begins.
McCarthy officially reported to Vikings training camp in Eagan, Minnesota, on Monday, alongside the rest of the rookie class. As the first day of practice unfolded, questions loomed about where McCarthy stood in the quarterback battle.
“I have no preconceived, preset depth chart in my mind beyond Sam being the No. 1 quarterback—he’s taken the most reps with the starters,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters. “Sam had a great spring. J.J. came in here after being drafted and had a really productive spring as well. Really, my message to those guys is I want a really competitive situation.”
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At just 21 years old, McCarthy enters his first NFL training camp with the Vikings, three years younger than fellow 2024 first-round picks Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.
The team is likely to take its time developing the young quarterback, ensuring he adapts to the professional level at a manageable pace.
On the other hand, Darnold is preparing for his seventh NFL season. Originally drafted by the New York Jets as the No. 3 pick in 2018, Darnold has had a rocky career, with stints at the Jets and the Carolina Panthers not going as planned. The Vikings signed him to a one-year, $10 million deal, offering him a chance to resurrect his career and prove his worth as a starting quarterback.
“Sam will obviously be taking the majority of the reps with that first group, but I think you’ll see J.J. maybe get some as well,” O’Connell explained. “It’s about the quality as much as the volume of those reps to really kind of continue to holistically attack this quarterback development program and process for J.J.”
Darnold will have every opportunity to chase that next contract this season, but his position is not guaranteed. The Vikings are committed to fostering a competitive environment to ensure the best quarterback leads the team.
The Vikings’ full roster is set to arrive at training camp on Tuesday, and they will begin their preseason games on August 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition, with fans and analysts eager to see how Darnold and McCarthy perform under O’Connell’s guidance.
McCarthy’s potential and youth contrast with Darnold’s experience and hunger for redemption, making for an intriguing storyline as the Vikings navigate this pivotal phase.
The team’s approach to developing McCarthy while giving Darnold a fair shot reflects their commitment to building a strong and dynamic quarterback room for the future.
