The Vikings drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in April's draft with the intention of making him the future of the franchise. That remains the case, sources say, even after McCarthy underwent preseason meniscus surgery that took him out for the entire 2024 season.

Early in the season, Darnold and the Vikings' success was largely attributed to Kevin O'Connell's offense, and a ferocious defense that stunted both the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans at the beginning of the year.

NFL season started, it seemed inevitable that, though the Minnesota Vikings had signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency, the team would eventually hand over the reins to rookie first-round draft pick J.