The Minnesota Vikings have secured a new quarterback, but there is no rush to start him immediately. Despite their enthusiasm for JJ McCarthy, they have a reliable interim option in Sam Darnold. Darnold, who is a talented quarterback, will be supported by the best team he has ever had and a quarterback-friendly system under head coach Kevin O’Connell. NFL analyst Greg Cosell mentioned on The Ross Tucker Podcast that he would be surprised if the Vikings decided to bench Darnold during the season.
Cosell explained that the Vikings were aware McCarthy was not ready to start right away and this perception has not changed based on the information he has gathered from his sources. He also does not expect the Vikings to perform poorly enough to warrant calls for the rookie to replace the veteran quarterback, as the team should be competitive enough to avoid a 1-6 start.
The Vikings signed Darnold to a $10 million deal, indicating their belief in his potential as a legitimate starter for now. Although they will provide McCarthy with every opportunity to succeed, there is no urgency to put him on the field prematurely, risking his development. The team aims to avoid the mistakes made by other franchises that rushed their quarterbacks, leading to adverse effects on their progress.
On a related note, wide receiver Justin Jefferson remains the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense. Jefferson, a three-time All-Pro and former Offensive Player of the Year, recently signed a record-breaking contract and is considered one of the best wide receivers in the league. However, another key player to watch is Jordan Addison, a former first-round pick.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic described Addison as “quiet but capable of extreme torture on defenses,” expressing confidence in his future potential. Despite being overshadowed by Jefferson, Addison also has to share the spotlight with Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson and former Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones.
In his rookie season in 2023, Addison caught 70 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, stepping up as the team’s leading receiver when Jefferson was sidelined with injuries. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team, highlighting his threat to opposing defenses.
This season, Addison will not be receiving passes from Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. The quarterback duties will fall to either veteran Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy, which might result in a rocky start. Nonetheless, Addison demonstrated his ability to produce even when Cousins was injured last season, suggesting he can maintain his performance despite the quarterback changes.
With the insights provided by Lewis, it’s expected that Addison will continue to be a key player for the Vikings, showcasing his abilities and contributing significantly to the team’s offense.
