ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reports that there is buzz coming out of the NFL’s Scouting Combine that J.J. McCarthy has a good chance of becoming the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the upcoming 2025 season. While there is still a possibility of placing the franchise tag on current starter Sam Darnold, it is unlikely to happen.
According to Fowler, the Vikings are not expected to franchise tag Darnold for the 2025 season, as they already have their future quarterback in McCarthy. If Darnold does leave in free agency, the Vikings are expected to target pending free agent Daniel Jones as a cheaper alternative. Jones, who was released by the Giants and joined the Vikings practice squad in late 2024, is projected to sign a one-year deal in the range of $13.3 million.
Prioritizing a deal for Jones over a more expensive contract for Darnold makes sense for the Vikings, who have several roster needs to address in the upcoming season. Bringing in Jones as a backup for McCarthy would provide stability at the quarterback position at a fraction of the cost.
While Jones may not be the most high-profile quarterback on the market, his potential to support McCarthy and serve as a bridge until he is ready to fully take over as the franchise quarterback is seen as a smart move by the Vikings coaching staff. As the Vikings prepare for the 2025 season, securing Jones as a backup quarterback appears to be a key decision in their roster-building strategy.
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