The NFL’s legal tampering period began Monday, allowing teams to negotiate with upcoming free agents. Several veteran quarterbacks quickly found new homes, including two former Minnesota Vikings signal-callers.
Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $110.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, while Daniel Jones agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Darnold was one of the biggest names in free agency after a career-best season with Minnesota. Jones was released midseason by the New York Giants and spent the remainder of the year backing up Darnold.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, last year’s first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is now expected to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025 after the team lost both veterans.
This creates a challenging situation for the Vikings, who are projected to be among the NFC’s top contenders next season.
McCarthy is essentially getting a second rookie season after suffering a season-ending MCL injury last year that required surgery. The former Michigan quarterback played just one preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders before his injury and never took a regular-season snap.
In that lone preseason appearance, the No. 10 overall pick completed 11-of-17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
That limited sample doesn’t provide much evidence for a Vikings team with championship aspirations heading into 2025.
The front office has made several moves to support their young quarterback, particularly strengthening the offensive line. The Vikings signed center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries while also re-signing running back Aaron Jones.
“J.J. McCarthy is the biggest winner in free agency so far,” former NFL quarterback turned analyst Chase Daniel said, noting that none of these signings would have been possible if the Vikings had retained Darnold.
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