The Minnesota Vikings face a vital quarterback choice because the franchise tag deadline approaches, with Sam Darnold rising as a possible candidate regardless of an uneven first season with the staff.
The state of affairs is additional sophisticated by J.J. McCarthy’s ongoing restoration from two preseason meniscus surgical procedures, leaving the Vikings to navigate a fragile steadiness as the brand new season attracts close to.
Current studies from Jason La Canfora recommend McCarthy’s path to full restoration isn’t as easy as initially hoped.
The younger quarterback, chosen tenth general final yr, nonetheless faces “important” bodily rebuilding, in accordance with La Canfora’s insights.
This uncertainty has apparently pushed the Vikings towards defending their quarterback place, with sources indicating the staff is reluctant to let Darnold check the free company waters.
“I hear that J.J. McCarthy… nonetheless has important work to do to rebuild his physique, not to mention modify to the NFL,” La Canfora stated.
“I hear that J.J. McCarthy… nonetheless has important work to do to rebuild his physique, not to mention modify to the NFL”, per @JasonLaCanfora
LaCanfora continues, “a number of executives from QB needy groups, who would have at the least some curiosity in [Sam] Darnold, instructed he’s not going… pic.twitter.com/nev10G6iKD
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 14, 2025
The clock is ticking for the Vikings and Darnold to achieve an settlement earlier than March tenth, when he turns into eligible to barter with different groups.
From Darnold’s perspective, the free company route may show extra profitable, doubtlessly resulting in a long-term contract value over $30 million yearly with a quarterback-hungry staff.
The Baker Mayfield precedent looms giant on this situation. Mayfield’s spectacular three-year, $100 million take care of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers final offseason units an intriguing benchmark.
Nonetheless, the Vikings’ state of affairs differs considerably from Tampa Bay’s 2024 choice, primarily attributable to McCarthy’s presence within the equation.
Whereas avoiding the franchise tag’s hefty $40 million cap hit may appear interesting, McCarthy’s unsure restoration standing provides one other layer of complexity to Minnesota’s quarterback puzzle.
This isn’t nearly securing a starter for subsequent season – it’s about managing danger, cap house, and the event of a first-round funding in McCarthy.
The publish Insider Reveals What He’s Listening to About J.J. McCarthy’s Rehab appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
