Sam Darnold Shows No Bitterness Over Vikings Choosing JJ Mccarthy

Even though the Vikings declined to give Sam Darnold a longer contract after ending the 2024 season with 14 wins, Darnold has no hard feelings and wished former teammate JJ McCarthy to do well in 2026.

Sam Darnold Shows No Bitterness Over Vikings Choosing JJ Mccarthy

JJ McCarthy and Sam Darnold inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Sam Darnold has been in the NFL for long enough to understand the business side of an athlete’s career. Despite being a first-round draft pick, Darnold came very close to dropping out of the league entirely when his rookie contract ended. To stay in the league, he accepted the backup job with the San Francisco 49ers. A year later, he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings.

Even in Minnesota, Darnold was expected to remain a backup because the Vikings were preparing to start rookie JJ McCarthy. Darnold received the nod for the QB1 role after McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury.

The Vikings finished with a 14-3 record. However, the Vikings declined to sign Darnold on a long-term contract. The coaching team still wanted to bet on McCarthy.

Speaking on the “Sam Clemente Podcast” last month, Darnold shared that he has no hard feelings and McCarthy deserved the chance to start.

I totally understand the move to go with a younger quarterback on a rookie deal, and signing these veteran players that you can maybe pay a little bit more while he’s on his rookie deal, especially if you believe in him… the business side of it, I totally understand it.

Sam Darnold said
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2025 statistics comparison between Sam Darnold and JJ McCarthy

The Seattle Seahawks signed Darnold on a three-year deal. Darnold once again recorded a 14-3 campaign. But unlike his Vikings tenure, which ended in the wildcard round, the Seahawks made it into the Super Bowl, where they defeated the New England Patriots and became champions.

Sam Darnold Shows No Bitterness Over Vikings Choosing JJ Mccarthy
Sam Darnold (Image via IMAGO)

Darnold threw 323 completions for 4048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in the regular season. He earned his second straight Pro Bowl honor.

McCarthy, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency. Doubts started to creep into the Vikings’ facility following a few underwhelming outings. A high ankle sprain kept him out of a few fixtures. He returned ahead of the week nine games. A concussion while playing for the Seahawks forced him to sit out a couple of games. In week 16, McCarthy suffered a small hairline fracture in his throwing hand and missed the final game of the year.

McCarthy went 6-4 from ten appearances, completed 140 passes for 1632 yards (57.6%), 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He further rushed for 181 yards and scored 4 rushing touchdowns. Minnesota ended the year with a 9-8 winning record, but missed the playoffs.

Despite the lackluster performance, Darnold has faith that McCarthy will be able to bounce back in 2026.

I think JJ [McCarthy] is a good player. I think he’s gonna be a really good player in this league. I truly believe that. For them to see that and be like, … the business part of it, it was like okay, like, I totally understand it.

Darnold said

McCarthy needs to prove himself once more to earn the right to start in week one. He will have to defeat former first overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, Kyler Murray, during the OTAs.

Sam Darnold receives high praise from FOX Sports analyst

Colin Cowherd is always bullish when it comes to creating the current top 10 NFL quarterback list. Recently, the FOX Sports analyst and the host of The Herd released his latest lineup. Darnold found his rightful place at the 10th spot.

And No. 10… 35-10 in his last 45 starts [in the NFL], Sam Darnold. Highest win percentage by any quarterback [in the] last two years in the league. Big, athletic, risk-taking, no turnovers when it mattered in the playoffs. Still 28, five different teams, won a disaster. But if you go, remember he was benched in Carolina, came back, went 4-2. If you take his career starting then, winningest quarterback in the NFL with the second-highest passer rating.

Colin Cowherd said

Bills quarterback Josh Allen took the top spot on Cowherd’s list, followed by Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, Drake Maye of the New England Patriots and Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions.

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