Minnesota Vikings assemble quarterback depth with veteran signing and top draft pick
Authored by hiwind.net, Mar 20, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings enhanced their quarterback room ahead of the 2024 NFL season by signing veteran Sam Darnold to a one-year contract and selecting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft.[1][2]
Darnold, 31, joined the Vikings on March 13, 2024, agreeing to a deal with a maximum value of $10 million, including $6.75 million guaranteed.[3] The former fifth overall pick in 2018 by the New York Jets has served as the starter while McCarthy recovers from injury.
McCarthy, 22, led the University of Michigan to the 2023 College Football Playoff national championship before being drafted. He sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee during the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 10, 2024, underwent surgery, and was placed on injured reserve on August 21.[4][5]
Through five games in 2024, Darnold has completed 116 of 165 passes (70.3%) for 1,362 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Vikings hold a 5-0 record and top the NFC North standings with 5 wins, 0 losses, and a +65 point differential as of October 21, 2024.[6][7]
Nick Mullens provides backup support behind Darnold. The Vikings face the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Week 6 on October 27, 2024.[8]
Sources
- NFL.com. "2024 NFL Draft order". April 25, 2024. https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/rounds/1
- Minnesota Vikings. "Vikings Select QB J.J. McCarthy with No. 10 Pick". April 25, 2024. https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-select-michigan-qb-j-j-mccarthy-no-10-overall-2024-nfl-draft
- Minnesota Vikings. "Vikings Sign Sam Darnold to One-Year Contract". March 13, 2024. https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-sign-sam-darnold-to-one-year-contract
- Minnesota Vikings. "Vikings Place QB J.J. McCarthy & Others on Injured Reserve". August 21, 2024. https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-sign-place-players-ir-transactions-aug-21
- ESPN. "Vikings place rookie QB J.J. McCarthy on IR with torn meniscus". August 21, 2024. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40712345/vikings-jj-mccarthy-knee-surgery-ir-meniscus
- Pro-Football-Reference.com. "Sam Darnold 2024 Game Log". Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DarnSa00/gamelog/2024/
- NFL.com. "2024 NFL Standings - NFC North". Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.nfl.com/standings/
- NFL.com. "2024 Minnesota Vikings Schedule". Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.nfl.com/teams/minnesota-vikings/schedule/