Three Sam Darnold replacements for Vikings this offseason to protect JJ McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy reportedly underwent a second surgery on his right knee in three months.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the first procedure was to repair McCarthy’s torn meniscus. However, this second operation was “intended to prevent swellingin response to “an increase in activity during the rehabilitation process.”

While that’s not particularly good news, Seifert notes that there are “no changes” to McCarthy’s recovery schedule. The No. 10 overall pick for 2024 should be ready for the start of next season. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell doesn’t sound concernedfor whatever it’s worth. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have a Plan B ready, which Minnesota doesn’t currently have.

Vikings incumbent starter and veteran journeyman Sam Darnold is currently playing on an expiring contract. Moreover, he has had a very difficult time in recent weeks, putting his job security in doubt after a thrilling start to the year. Is Minnesota confident enough in what they saw earlier in the campaign to re-sign him?

If not, the Vikings should explore adding one of these three potential Darnold alternatives below.

We didn’t see much of it Washington commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota for the past two seasons. But he must be helpful and efficient when called upon.

Mariota has attempted just 49 passes over the past two years between his current stint with Washington and the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Nevertheless, he has completed 69.4 of his attempts for 367 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. His 7.55 sack percentage during that span would rank near the middle of the pack among qualified signal-callers this season. Efficiency and not making too many costly mistakes make the 31-year-old a viable game manager.

The Commanders signed Mariota to a one-year, $6 million contract last offseason to serve as presumptive Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels’ understudy. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and Minnesota should consider acquiring him on the open market.

Gardner Minshew is the only player on this list who signed after 2024 (although there is potential out of his deal this offseason). But with the Las Vegas Raiders They are slated for a pick at or near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft and will likely target a franchise quarterback. Minnesota may want to inquire about the one-time Pro Bowler’s services.

Minshew wasn’t great in Year 1 with the Raiders. But honestly, it’s not just him. First, Las Vegas sent alpha wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets (after missing three games due to a hamstring injury). Then they held on to now-fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy for too long. that they shouldn’t have signed in the first place. Overall, the situation in Sin City was bleak.

When placed in more favorable circumstances, à la the Vikings, Minshew has (at least) shown signs of being a capable placeholder. He went 6-6 as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 alongside a 1,000-yard rusher and receiver – Leonard Fournette and DJ Chark, respectively. His most recent stop for Las Vegas with the Indianapolis Colts was also a success, going 7-6 and nearly guiding them to the playoffs.

Assuming the Raiders land their longtime sharpshooter this offseason, Minshew becomes an intriguingly expendable option for the Vikings.

Three questions will determine whether Justin Fields is a legitimate option for the Vikings:

1. As a rising free agent, will Fields prioritize a contract where he can be the full-time starter?
2. Do the Pittsburgh Steelers Do you believe Russell Wilson can be their solution under center after this season?
3. If not, do they want to keep Fields?

If the answers to these questions work in Minnesota’s favor, Fields is an exciting McCarthy fill-in with room for more.

A lingering calf injury sidelined Wilson for Pittsburgh’s first six games this season, allowing Fields to lead the offense. The latter demonstrated its ability to keep the ship afloat without the former and then some.

The Steelers went 4-2 with Fields at the helm. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. Additionally, his value on the ground is well documented, with 231 yards and five scores on 55 carries.

Fields is an unfinished product as a passer, but he has made strides. Pairing him with a smart, offensive coach like O’Connell could unlock the potential that made the Ohio State product the 11th overall selection in 2021.