Sam Darnold Won a Super Bowl in Seattle and Now JJ McCarthy's Vikings Job Is in Serious Trouble

Here's the thing about the NFL offseason: moves made by other teams have a way of haunting you. JJ McCarthy is learning that lesson the hard way in Minnesota, and it's not pretty.

After an underwhelming 2025 season where McCarthy shared starts with Max Brosmer, the Vikings made a massive splash by signing Kyler Murray in free agency. But that's not even the worst part for McCarthy. While he was struggling in Minnesota, Sam Darnold took off with the Seattle Seahawks and led them all the way to Super Bowl glory. Yeah, that actually happened. The guy Minnesota didn't bet on just won the biggest prize in football in an emerald and navy uniform.

The Vikings Have Moved On, and McCarthy Knows It

The Vikings aren't exactly hiding their hand here. They've got a full quarterback room now: Murray (the prize signing), Brosmer, Carson Wentz, and McCarthy. According to NFL.com's Kevin Patra, the situation is crystal clear, even if the team hasn't officially said it out loud.

"The assumption is that Murray signed to be the starter, and little we've heard suggests otherwise," Patra wrote. "But we need to see the QBs on the field to cement that belief. The future of J.J. McCarthy is the big question. Will he push Murray? Will he wash out and even be leapfrogged by Carson Wentz?"

Patra also raised the biggest question hanging over McCarthy right now: would the Vikings even keep a first-round pick around if he's going to be third string?

The Numbers Don't Help His Case

Let's be honest, McCarthy's 2025 tape wasn't exactly impressive. In 10 games, he went 140 of 243 for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. That's the kind of stat line that gets you benched, not protected.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell has said nice things about McCarthy publicly, but the Vikings' actual moves in the quarterback room tell a completely different story. They signed Kyler Murray. They kept three other options on the roster. If they really believed in McCarthy, would they have done all that?

The contrast is brutal when you think about it. Darnold's out in Seattle hoisting the Lombardi Trophy while McCarthy's sitting in a quarterback battle with no clear path to the field. That's the kind of offseason storyline that stings.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.