Vikings Face Quarterback Dilemma as Teams Reportedly Eye J.J. McCarthy Trade

Sam Darnold’s career-best season raises questions about the Vikings’ quarterback future, with speculation mounting over a potential trade involving rookie J.J. McCarthy.

• Sam Darnold has led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-2 record, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, making him a potential candidate for a long-term deal or franchise tag in 2025.
• Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed his first season due to a knee injury, is reportedly drawing trade interest from multiple NFL teams ahead of a weak quarterback draft class.
• NFL insider Adam Schefter believes the Vikings could receive significant draft capital for McCarthy, including a first-round pick, if they choose to trade him this offseason.
• The Vikings face a decision between committing to Darnold, who is set to become a free agent, or retaining McCarthy, whom head coach Kevin O’Connell has consistently referred to as the team’s franchise quarterback.
• Minnesota has limited draft picks in 2025, increasing speculation that trading McCarthy could help bolster their roster while capitalizing on Darnold’s current success.

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