Former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold says he understands Minnesota’s decision to move on after selecting JJ McCarthy, even as it stung—pointing to the business logic of a rookie deal and keeping paid veterans. Darnold now heads into 2026 with the expectation
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings faced a hard choice that became impossible to ignore once their plans played out. With their first-round quarterback JJ McCarthy fully healed, the team had to decide whether to sit their future—or keep betting on journeyman Sam Darnold.
The path they chose was clear: they put their chips on McCarthy, and they let Darnold walk.
Even then, it wasn’t the kind of decision that disappeared from the conversation. Darnold went on to help the Seattle Seahawks build toward a breakthrough season, finishing with a 14-win year and ultimately winning the Super Bowl.
When asked about the Vikings’ call recently on the San Clemente Podcast, Darnold didn’t frame it as a betrayal. He framed it as a business decision—one that still hurt, but made sense to him.
“I totally understand the move to go with a younger quarterback on a rookie deal and signing these veterans that you can pay a little bit more because he’s on a rookie deal. especially if you believe in him. ” Darnold said. “I think JJ is a good player, I think he’s gonna be a really good player in this league. I truly believe that.”.
Darnold may be making that sound simple now, but at the time it clearly wasn’t. The year before Minnesota moved on, he helped the Vikings win the NFC North with a 14-win season, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024.
Those were numbers that he never surpassed in his Super Bowl-winning season with Seattle.
If Darnold appears settled in hindsight, the difference may be the ring that came afterward. With the past put in its proper place, his focus now shifts to a different kind of pressure: in 2026, he’ll be tasked with defending and repeating as a Super Bowl champion.
Sam Darnold Minnesota Vikings JJ McCarthy Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl 2024 season quarterback decision rookie deal