Vikings Coach Reveals Starting QB for Training Camp!

The Minnesota Vikings secured their anticipated future franchise quarterback by trading up to draft Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite this, head coach Kevin O’Connell has named the starting quarterback for the team heading into training camp, and it’s not McCarthy.

In a press conference on Wednesday, O’Connell confirmed that Sam Darnold is seen as QB1 for the Vikings. He stated, “We haven’t had to put out a depth chart or anything like that, but yeah, I would say Sam would be the guy I look to based on the spring that he has had.”

Although Darnold is the starter heading into training camp, this doesn’t guarantee he will start in Week 1. Training camp and preseason will determine the final starting position, but Darnold is currently the front-runner. O’Connell has left the door open for McCarthy and Nick Mullens to compete for the role, acknowledging their progress.

“At the same time, J.J.’s really improved. Nick Mullens has had a great spring. And Jaren [Hall] has also improved. I told all four of those guys, ‘Look, depth charts are great and it’s great to understand where I am at today but that will really mean nothing about the future.’ That’ll be nothing about a week or two out, and most importantly we played four of em [quarterbacks] last year.”

O’Connell’s remarks suggest flexibility, not ruling out McCarthy, Mullens, or Hall from starting in the future. However, his comment about using four quarterbacks last season hints at potential instability, which isn’t ideal for the position. The plan seems to be that McCarthy will start only when ready, initially serving as Darnold’s backup.

Darnold leads the quarterback pack for now, but McCarthy could take over at some point this season. While there’s no guarantee, giving McCarthy valuable reps could expedite his development. He still has the opportunity to impress O’Connell during training camp and preseason, possibly earning the starting job over Darnold. Only time will tell if this happens.