Minnesota Vikings fans rejoice: Sam Darnold is no longer guaranteed to start in Week 1.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has signed his rookie contract. Per the report, it’s a four-year deal worth $21.85 million with a $12.71 million signing bonus. The deal is also fully guaranteed.
“Sources: Minnesota Vikings No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy is signing a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $21.85 million that includes a $12.71 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option,” Schefter wrote.
While the move doesn’t necessarily put McCarthy on the fast track to start in Week 1 against the New York Giants, it does ensure that he’ll be a part of all training camp and preseason games barring something unforeseen.
McCarthy was a somewhat controversial pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While he led Michigan on back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances as a starter and the national title this past year, there were questions on whether his college game would translate to the NFL.
But the Vikings showed confidence in head coach Kevin O’Connell, making him their quarterback of the future – or possibly the present.
McCarthy will presumably compete with journeyman Darnold for the starting job in training camp.
Will McCarthy win the job, or will he start the season holding a clipboard for the Vikings?
Related: Colin Cowherd Has Bold Prediction For Sam Darnold, Vikings