 looks on after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/darnatl.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=637,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/darnatl.jpg”><figcaption> Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Sam Darnold as a “bridge” quarterback 10 months ago, drafting J.J. McCarthy six weeks later and pairing Darnold with McCarthy while the rookie watched and learned.</p>
<h4>Beware of Misdirection with Sam Darnold and the Vikings</h4>
<p>Then, in August, McCarthy tore his meniscus in a preseason game, ending his entire rookie season and instantly promoting Darnold to the season-long QB1. He flourished for 16 weeks, passing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 picks. </p>
<div>
<figure><img loading=)
Pelissero opined. “They believe in him. They’re not trading J.J. McCarthy. But there’s no precedent for a guy missing an entire year of reps as a rookie and coming back and playing again like it hasn’t happened.”
Wildcard Round of the postseason.
It may be vividly obvious that McCarthy as Minnesota’s QB1 in 2025 makes the most sense. He’s affordable, hungry, and a 1st-Rounder. However, if Darnold-needy teams know they can simply sign him via free agency, well, the Vikings would get nothing for him via trade.
 throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sam-Darnold-PRE.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=648,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sam-Darnold-PRE.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sam-Darnold-PRE.jpg” alt ><figcaption> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p>Therefore, any time a listener hears or sees a report stating, “I’m told the Vikings want Darnold back,” know that it could be misdirection. In theory, if the Vikings did the opposite — “J.J. McCarthy is our guy” — the franchise would receive nothing via trade because Minnesota would’ve played its hand.</p>
<p>It’s a bit similar to how organizations are mum during <a href=)
a draft build-up. Can’t tell the enemy your plans.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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