The Minnesota Vikings face a vital quarterback resolution because the franchise tag deadline approaches, with Sam Darnold rising as a possible candidate regardless of an uneven first season with the crew.
The scenario 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.
Latest experiences from Jason La Canfora counsel McCarthy’s path to full restoration isn’t as simple as initially hoped.
The younger quarterback, chosen tenth total 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 crew is reluctant to let Darnold take a look at the free company waters.
“I hear that J.J. McCarthy… nonetheless has important work to do to rebuild his physique, not to mention regulate to the NFL,” La Canfora mentioned.
“I hear that J.J. McCarthy… nonetheless has important work to do to rebuild his physique, not to mention regulate to the NFL”, per @JasonLaCanfora
LaCanfora continues, “a number of executives from QB needy groups, who would have no less than some curiosity in [Sam] Darnold, advised 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 succeed in an settlement earlier than March tenth, when he turns into eligible to barter with different groups.
From Darnold’s perspective, the free company route might show extra profitable, probably resulting in a long-term contract value over $30 million yearly with a quarterback-hungry crew.
The Baker Mayfield precedent looms massive on this situation. Mayfield’s spectacular three-year, $100 million take care of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers final offseason units an intriguing benchmark.
Nevertheless, the Vikings’ scenario differs considerably from Tampa Bay’s 2024 resolution, primarily on account of 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 threat, cap area, and the event of a first-round funding in McCarthy.
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