Cam Bynum says both Vikings QBs look ready and have Super Bowl expectations

Vikings safety Cam Bynum has high expectations for the Vikings this season, no matter who fills the quarterback position when they take the field for the first time this fall.

Bynum, who had a breakout season in 2023, setting career highs in tackles (137), forced fumbles (three) and passes defensed (nine) while tying his career high in interceptions (two) as he played in all 17 games, was asked by NFL Network, what he believes to be the Vikings’ ceiling.

Bynum didn’t hold back.

“I expect a Super Bowl,” he told NFL Network. “Everyone says that and everyone should say it. But you look at the guys on the team, you look at the locker room, all the experience we have. Look at the depth we have, especially on defense. So many guys. It’s almost weird when you look around and you’re like, “Okay, how are we all going to get on the field?” There are so many players.

The biggest question mark heading into the season for Minnesota is who will play quarterback for the team in 2023: rookie JJ McCarthy or journeyman Sam Darnold. Darnold has gotten most of the first-team reps thus far, but the competition for the Vikings’ starting job is far from over.

While the Vikings don’t want to throw McCarthy to the wolves before he’s completely ready to take over the starting role, Darnold has had a tumultuous NFL career thus far during stints with the New York Jets, the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. But Darnold, 27, is a former No. 3 overall pick in 2018 and has a great opportunity to reignite his NFL career with the Vikings.

McCarthy and Darnold will surely work hard to be ready for the starting role, and the QB battle will be the main storyline for the Vikings as the season gets closer and closer. NFL Network asked Bynum about the quarterback competition and what he saw from McCarthy and Darnold during Vikings spring practices. Safety was praised for both quarterbacks.

“Having the two new quarterbacks, it’s fun to be able to play against them and see what they bring to the table,” Bynum said. “They both look really good.” It’s exciting to watch them compete. They both look good so I can’t put one over the other. I’m just saying they both look ready. Whatever the coaches decide, I trust them and their decision.

That decision won’t be made for some time, but the season will be here before we know it. Regardless of who ends up getting the starting role, Bynum expects his team to be very competitive this fall.