Minnesota Vikings QB battle between Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy

By trading up to choose J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings were able to select their future franchise quarterback. McCarthy and Sam Darnold are now vying to start for the Vikings as their starting quarterback in Week 1.

McCarthy has a slight advantage going into the situation. In addition to his history as the first quarterback taken in the first round by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell, he was the first Vikings quarterback to practice in 2024.

On-field reps matter, even though Darnold has had a few months to absorb the playbook since his signing in March. McCarthy may therefore start strong at rookie minicamp, taking most of the reps and having the first opportunity to make an in-person impression on the Vikings coaching staff.

Although the youngster did have one interception during rookie minicamp, which cost him some wind sprints, he otherwise shown poise and appeared to be completely comfortable in O’Connell’s system. Now that those drills are behind us, Darnold and McCarthy will face off in the true quarterback competition.

Who will start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings?

Darnold is “fully expected” to start the offseason programme at the top of the Vikings depth chart as the starting quarterback this summer, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Next week, when veterans report for duty, O’Connell will give up first-team reps to the veteran.

McCarthy will have to win the starting quarterback position with the Vikings from Minnesota. McCarthy “jumped out right away” at rookie minicamp, according to O’Connell, who also stated that McCarthy remembered the offensive plans. The Vikings coaching staff is obviously pleased with what they are seeing thus far from their first-round selection.

Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall won’t have many opportunities this summer as Darnold and McCarthy will be getting most of the reps. Darnold might start the season as the Vikings’ starting quarterback, despite the expectation of many that the Vikings will favour McCarthy in the quarterback duel and want the first-round pick to start in Week 1. Even then, though, McCarthy would be ready to take over swiftly if the offence falters, so he would be kept in check.