Minnesota Vikings View J.J. McCarthy as Franchise Quarterback, but Timing Remains Uncertain
The Minnesota Vikings have yet to make a final decision on whether J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold will start at quarterback next season. However, the organization has already determined that McCarthy is their franchise quarterback moving forward—it’s just a matter of when he will officially take over the role.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, McCarthy is the long-term solution for the Vikings, though the exact timeline remains unclear. “Minnesota’s stance seems to be they’re not going to mortgage the future for Sam Darnold,” Fowler reported on February 21. “They are certainly open to bringing him back, but they’re not going to overpay. What was made clear to me, though, is J.J. McCarthy is the franchise quarterback at some point—whether that’s in six months, 12 months, or 18 months.”
This suggests that whoever starts for Minnesota in 2025 will likely serve as a bridge quarterback while the team prepares McCarthy to take over. Although keeping Darnold could be beneficial—especially given the offensive weapons at his disposal, including Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison—Darnold may choose to test free agency, where he could secure a lucrative multi-year contract rather than settling for a short-term role in Minnesota.
Fowler also noted that the Vikings are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Darnold, as it would cost over $40 million in 2025, potentially limiting their ability to strengthen the rest of the roster. While applying the tag could create an opportunity for a trade, it’s a risky move unless Minnesota has a trade partner lined up in advance.
If Darnold hits free agency, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell projects that he could command a contract with an average annual salary of $46 million, including approximately $90 million in guaranteed money. With such a massive potential payday on the table, it remains to be seen whether Darnold will stay in Minnesota or move on to a new opportunity. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ long-term plan remains focused on McCarthy, whose transition into the starting role is only a matter of time.
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