The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation could take an unexpected turn, depending on Sam Darnold’s next move in free agency. If the veteran quarterback secures a multi-year deal, there is growing speculation that J.J. McCarthy could become a trade candidate.
Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Situation Tied to Sam Darnold
Sports Illustrated’s Hondo Carpenter recently discussed the situation on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast, suggesting that if Darnold lands a long-term contract, the Vikings may look to move on from McCarthy.
“If Sam Darnold were to get a multi-year deal, the chances would improve that Minnesota would trade [J.J. McCarthy],” Carpenter said.
He also noted that the Raiders would have interest in McCarthy if he became available, though that doesn’t necessarily mean a deal would happen.
According to Pro Football Network, Darnold is ranked as the 11th-best pending free agent in the NFL, factoring in production, age, earning potential, and overall value. While some top players will inevitably receive the franchise tag, Darnold remains one of the most intriguing names on the market.
Despite his placement on the list, Darnold’s stock took a hit after two underwhelming performances in high-stakes games late in the season. Those outings significantly shaped how he is perceived this offseason, particularly by fans and media outside of Minnesota. That criticism might be somewhat unfair, considering he ranked 12th overall in PFSN’s QB+ metric during the regular season.
If the prevailing narrative becomes that Darnold can’t start anywhere, it overlooks his overall performance. He entered the playoffs with four games graded as D+ or worse but also had six games graded as B- or better. His numbers were solid, finishing eighth in net yards per attempt (7.3), 11th from a clean pocket (0.29 EPA per dropback), and inside the top 10 in passing yards per game (254.1) with 35 touchdowns. However, his 12 interceptions and struggles inside the opponent’s half — ranking 30th with a -0.08 EPA per dropback — raise concerns.
The Vikings declined to place the franchise tag on Darnold, avoiding the $40.2 million guaranteed hit that would have come with it. Instead, they are reportedly still negotiating a short-term extension. However, even Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes that if Minnesota commits to Darnold for multiple years, McCarthy may request a trade.
“Two years becomes the magic number — magic in a bad way — from J.J. McCarthy’s perspective,” Florio explained during a segment with KFAN’s Paul Allen. “Because if they make a two-year commitment to Sam Darnold, I predict J.J. McCarthy’s going to ask to be traded.”
While the possibility of a trade remains speculative, the Vikings are not rushing into a long-term deal with Darnold. If Darnold lands a multi-year contract elsewhere, McCarthy remains Minnesota’s clear QB1. Alternatively, if the Vikings bring Darnold back on a bridge deal, the quarterback battle in training camp could be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
