The Minnesota Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, which created a clear need at quarterback.
The Vikings signed Sam Darnold and then moved up one spot in the first round of the 2024 draft for J.J. McCarthy.
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Minnesota is "extremely wary" about rushing McCarthy's developmental process:
"Darnold signed a one-year contract in March, so there is no doubt McCarthy will eventually become the starter, but the team is extremely wary about rushing McCarthy, 21, onto the field. They've done studies on the risks of exposing quarterbacks before they're ready. Coach Kevin O'Connell has created a daily developmental plan that will require McCarthy to reach a series of benchmarks before there is any decision to make him QB1."
If the Michigan product doesn't measure up to O'Connell's standards, he could sit through his entire rookie campaign.
On the other hand, the coach hasn't been afraid to make changes at quarterback.
Last season, after Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, the Vikings started three different backup QBs, including Jaren Hall, who was selected by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2023 draft.
Also, keep in mind that Nick Mullens temporarily lost the starting job in part because of turnovers.
In Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, Mullens threw for 411 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. In the following week, Minnesota started Hall, though Mullens took over again in the second half of that game.
In six seasons, Darnold has struggled with poor accuracy and turnovers with a 59.7 percent completion rate and a 63 to 56 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 66 career games (56 starts).
If the 26-year-old doesn't make routine completions or gives away too many possessions, O'Connell could turn to McCarthy or back to Mullens if the rookie isn't quite ready.
