Ben Leber predicts J.J. McCarthy to start for Vikings in 2025

[@lordFRZA]

Sam Darnold is a fighter. He never gives up. Even when previous teams give up on him, he never gives up. He has adapted and followed the path to do whatever it takes to improve his game… and it is paying off.

[@bbfflking]

I trust KOC for his assessment and cultivation of QB talent, and trust KAM's approach to building this organization for the long-term!

[@jboreal7982]

Let’s win a SB first!

[@edguyrocks5865]

Wet good insight. Ben is around the team a lot. My worry is letting Sam go and anointing JJ could have a negative effect in the locker room. I do agree Rams or Niners could go Darnold. He was on both their rosters the last two years. Do ya wanna give Purdy top money? Do ya wanna keep paying Stafford? Or how long will Stafford play? I don’t know if the Vikes promised a no franchise in Sam’s contract, but Vikes could totally franchise him for a year or franchise tag him and if someone matches it and he chooses that, we get draft compensation.

[@edguyrocks5865]

It’s $41m so they could do it.

[@hivicar]

Not on Rams roster, yet.

[@Tom-ut6ky]

@@edguyrocks5865 At the exxpense of how many FAs, including our own?

[@mattholmes9657]

Ben is such a good team reporter. Keeps it real and is just a smart guy. He’s the best.

[@davidday5731]

We have had a weak schedule so far as it turned out..We are one and two against the teams that turned out to be playoff teams and that win was with a still injured q.b. who took apart our defense in the second half..These next two games will tell us what type of playoff team will have

[@ThomasB_N4G]

“You don’t let a guy go who WINS GAMES” Jimmy Johnson

[@rogereastman3187]

Starting J.J would be the dumbest move the Vikings ever made !! Let him sit, practice and learn for awhile It didn't hurt Rodgers, Jordon Love and many others to wait. Letting Darnold walk would be a stupid thing to do period !!!

[@noahedwards8865]

It did hurt them they only won 1 SB and the packers had to pay love based off of 1 season that isn’t a good idea teams have never won paying a QB over 17% of the cap which Sam should get far more than building a team is more important than having a franchise QB look at the bengals

[@rogereastman3187]

You guys are assuming that Darnold will demand more money than I think he'll be happy with. I think the league is no longer going to dump huge money into the laps of quarterbacks. That ship has sailed

[@noahedwards8865]

@@rogereastman3187 why do you assume how many QB’s have we seen over the years take less than the deserve maybe 1% did Sam say he would take a deal? He had a big contract yet and is in line for over 100 million not many humans would turn that down for just a possibility to win a Super Bowl most guys who take deals already won or are extremely marketable which Darnold has not been either so far imagine if at your job you should be getting paid over 40 million a year would you really take 20 or so million less just to POSSIBLY have the company have more success if you would more power to you most people wouldn’t as they should he hopefully gonna live a long life after football that money will do more for him than a SB

[@Tom-ut6ky]

@@noahedwards8865 Actually they paid Love off of one HALF of a season because he absiolutley sucked the first half of that season.

[@Tom-ut6ky]

@@rogereastman3187 Tell that to Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescot, Jared Goff, lamar Jackson, and half a dozen other QBs. QBs are the most important players on ANY team, and they will continue getting those salaries as long as the caps keep going up. Darnold will demand every nickel he can get after 6 years of bottom of the QB salary range. He's made 60 mil over 7 years in the NFL, and avg of 8.6 mil a year, PEANUTS for a top NFL QB . You can bet your A$$ he's going for every nickel, because this is the first time, and may be the last time, he can HOPE to get it!

[@clownmode3626]

Depends, but we don’t know. I trust KOC to make the right move

[@ronaldburgett820]

Hold on to JJ he’s young he’s been a winner through his time playing football. Maybe he’s the backup to Darnold and he really learns the system you certainly don’t give up on him. You didn’t draft him to trade him.

[@johnandersen5959]

Sign Darnold- he is the real deal. JJ is an unknown quantity?

[@Daunte1984]

Maybe,but Darnold was never thought of being this good either.

[@DustinHaning]

JJ isn't an unknown quantity. His quantity is 1.

[@jacktheman1989]

​@@Daunte1984 he was drafted third overall for a reason. I can't blame him for failing with the jets and the panthers.

[@Daunte1984]

Everyone labeled him a bust until he got here, nobody, not even the Vikings who signed him to only a 1 year deal expected this or they never would have drafted JJ at 10.

[@ericferguson6468]

​@Daunte1984 Did you pay attention to the offseason, or just make things up? KOC expected this and talked about. They have wanted a rookie qb from the beginning.

[@CogitoErgoSum2024]

Extend Darnold. JJ is bird boned, injury prone, and an uncertain commodity. You’d be an idiot to let Sam out that building.

[@punisher5598]

What? Wasn’t this his first injury? How is that injury prone?

[@Tom-ut6ky]

IN his entire HS and college carrer JJM has had a fractured thumb in HS and a sprained ankle in college. He played through both of themand won both of those games. He's lost a grand total of 2 games throughout college and HS. YOU might think he's an "uncertain commodity," but who are you? Seems people like Keven O'Connell, Josh, McCown, and the rest of the Vikings coaches disagree with you.

[@navyshyts]

You’re an idiot as well for already judging JJ when he literally hasn’t gotten a chance. The chance he got you’re already shitting on him? I bet in real life you ain’t shit . Let’s just keep that a buck. Watch how you talk to people and how you say it. You literally sound like a delusional female . 🤡

[@ronaldburgett820]

Tag him and we’ll see how thinks go next season before you say goodbye to JJ

[@ronaldburgett820]

Oh and one injury doesn’t mean he is injury prone. If that were the case there wouldn’t be many players playing. So please don’t put that on him yet

[@josephklovanish3675]

LOL, if Vikes let Sam walk, they are in for a rude awakening if they think JJ will give them the same production and outcome. Ben is tripping. But hey this is a business and there are plenty of teams that would like to pay to have Sam on their roster.

[@selfhelp9685]

If the Vikings can't win a Superbowl though... Who cares? I would rather have some unproven guy out there. And give it a shot. This franchise needs to seriously grow some balls when it comes to taking risks. Had to watch those bums Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer for years!! How painful.

[@ronaldburgett820]

Did you think Darnold was going to do what he’s done

[@johnurban7333]

If Sam Darnold wins the Super Bowl for the Vikings, Ben will still be hellbent on JJ being the starter. Out of all the people they have commenting on the Vikings he seems to be the most out of touch. If they let Sam go to another team that would be crazy. He’s shown consistently he can go down the field at the end of the game and win. What more does this team need. McCarthy hasn’t shown us anything but potential or bust

[@ACMEpowersports]

Leber really has his heels dug in on this one. We’ll see..

[@garywjensen1]

JJ will need two years to recover from his injury, he will always be thinking about the injury, and he will be protecting it mentally just ask Kirk Cousins.

[@Tom-ut6ky]

Nice guess, but totally wrong: "A major meniscus repair typically requires a recovery time of 3 to 6 months with most patients able to return to regular activities within a few weeks, but needing several months before engaging in strenuous physical activity or sports like running." He's already 100% recovered. THinking aobut it? He didn't even know he had it until MRI showed it to him.

[@jerrystraka7856]

NO Way..... JJ starts next year. NO Way. He's NOT READY. And won't be ready.

[@edguyrocks5865]

Only the team really knows. We don’t know.

[@DustinHaning]

You have no idea if he's ready or not, I doubt you even knew who he was before the Vikings drafted him.

[@jerrystraka7856]

@DustinHaning I'm a former college running back and receiver. I attended my first Vikings game in 1968. FUCK off punk

[@jerrystraka7856]

@@DustinHaning my college coach became a Viking coach.... Jocko Nelson I'm 70 years old I've followed the Vikings since they became a team. Went to my first game in 1968. I lived 12 miles from Mankato training camp. I know who Leo Hayden is .... Eat shit you ignorant little f#cking PUNK

[@jerrystraka7856]

@@DustinHaning I lived 12 miles from Viking training camp. I graduated from Mankato (Minnesota) State. I played college football for coach Jocko Nelson (who then became a Viking coach). I attended my first Vikings game in 1968. Shut up you f#cking idiot

[@oldfart5063]

great move leber . this is why it sucks to be a vikes fan . were on a playoff run and a vikes insider runs his mouth about how our current quarterback is already not going to be on the team next year . sam and every fan now has to deal with the let down of not having a proven quarterback on the team . imagine if sam wanted to stay with the team but now he has to play every game wondering if KOC has been leading him on . great move ben

[@Tom-ut6ky]

What an idiot statement. Darnold was brought in as a bridge to the rook QB the Vikings were going to draft. Darnold took the contract to get KOC's coaching and try to resurrect his career. BOTH goals have been met. Lead him on? EVERY fan? No, fans who know and understand football know exactly what the plan has been for over 3 years, and it will be followed whether you or other people here like it or not. Tell you what. Go ahead and boycott the team next year if you don't want to watch JJM. I promise you won't be missed. The Bank will be fukll every game, TVs will be tuned in, and the cheering will go on whether you hate the new QB or not.

[@franknorth164]

All these people saying the Vikes would be crazy to let Sam walk. Explain to me what they do with their secondary next season. Not one starter is signed past this year. What do they so with the interior of both the offensive and defensive line? What do they do at RB? I am all for re-signing Darnold at a price that lets them address those needs. I don’t think signing Sam Darnold at any cost is in the best interest of the team. Especially in the NFC North where if you don’t have an elite roster you don’t have a chance to compete.

[@Polyeith]

In fairness, they're already paying $40M in starting QB money this year. Even signing Darnold to a $40m deal, (which I'm not sure I would do depending on McCarthy's progress) they would be in the exact same position, as they shed off Cousins' contract after this year, not to mention Hunter's. Between the draft & getting decent guys in FA they would certainly have more room than I think most people realize. If they can get Darnold anywhere near $25m, it's a no brainer. If you can get 13 wins with this roster right now, more cap space can only improve the situation.

[@jimmyapolis]

If the Vokings win the super bowl, Darnold isn't going anywhere. With all due respect to Ben.

[@Tom-ut6ky]

Ya think Ben might have a little more knowledge oon wht the coaches think?

[@chuckness5372]

The Vikings would be crazy if they don't at least franchise tag Darnold. Then if they still want McCarthy to start next year, then trade Darnold for a high draft pick to get a RB. (hint hint Jeanty), because Jones is NOT going to help us next year. he barely helps this year.

[@MrSota1]

Hell nah!! Trade JJ to the Raiders or Titans. We good with Sam! SKOL!

[@DustinHaning]

Even if we keep Sam there's zero reason to trade JJ. That's just moronic to do with a guy you drafted that high and is only 1 year into a rookie contract.

[@MrSota1]

@ What is “moronic” is letting Sam walk and thinking you can just throw anyone in there. Who gives a shit if he was the 10th pick. Ponder was 12 and we found out real quick didn’t we? JJ needs to be traded! And I guarantee if they let Sam walk a lot of guys on that team will not be happy! You do not mess up team chemistry and this team has it! JJ is not making these throws that Sam does no way! But but preseason 😂 against guys who aren’t even in the NFL. Bye JJ have fun in Tennessee!

[@Dreamer88keys]

Draft Travis hunter with that pick

[@ronaldburgett820]

You see him for one year here don’t think you give up on JJ. The two need to compete next season my opinion

[@MrSota1]

@@ronaldburgett820 No point to mess with chemistry. Let’s just say Sam walks. Do you honestly think JJ will have a good yr next yr? Remember the schedule is gonna be tough. And this isn’t 2002 where ppl put up with growing pains for couple yrs they want success now! Players are gonna get pissed when they lose 3-4 in a row and then fans will be screaming for the coaches head cause he let Sam go. Also the pressure to be as good as Sam was the yr before. The kid is screwed, that’s why I say just trade him. Avoid this mess.

[@bolotriolo]

If JJ takes over, the team will be split and lead to uncertainty. With the tough division the team very well might not be a playoff contender until his rookie contract ends. Whole lot to risk for an unproven rookie who isn’t a risk taker big play QB.

[@punisher5598]

The leader here is KOC. The team has been him behind 3 years now. They believed in him when they moved on from Cousins to Sam Darnold. They are fine.

[@Tom-ut6ky]

You can bet the team knows exactly what the plan is.

[@jiordone8563]

Vikings around .500 next year if McCarthy starts, team/fans pissed off!

[@Daunte1984]

No one though Darnold would be this good , never know.

[@Phaedrus5015]

The kid is our quarterback for the next 10-15 years. He has to have a rookie season at some point, and yes, like all rookies, it takes some time.

[@DustinHaning]

Literally the EXACT same thing people said when we let Kirk walk and signed Sam Darnold. When will you people learn 😂

[@jacktheman1989]

​@@DustinHaning Kirk was old and had a major injury. Sam is 27 and a much better player than Kirk. The Vikings hit the jackpot with Sam. They would be foolish to let him go. Trade JJM for draft picks :)

[@jacktheman1989]

​@@Phaedrus5015 the window to win is now. Justin Jefferson only has a couple years left as the greatest wr in the league. Why waste the prime of his career waiting for JJM to hit his prime?

[@russelljackson8153]

Sure, let's make the Rams a Super Bowl team again.

[@Mcpaholtz71]

Let’s just wait out the last 2 games before you sign Darnold. If the Vikings lose the last 2 games Darnold mania will slow down significantly. Just chill a bit.

[@mattholmes9657]

There was never any thought to them signing Darnold before the season is over. Darnold doesn’t want that if he can lead the team to the NFCC or SB which significantly increases his next contract. Vikings don’t have to do anything they can tag him next yr for $40 keep or trade, negotiate a Baker level deal and let JJ develop. No rush at all.

[@ericoslund2937]

@cogito nailed it. McCarthy is 100% unproven at the NFL level. And he's now had 2 surgeries??? Keep Slingin' Sammy D!

[@Tom-ut6ky]

He's had one minor miniscus tear and a cortisone shot. Get your facts straight.

[@LaneQuenemoen]

Give Sam a 25 million raise for one year to prove it and keep McCarthy as the backup and get rid of Mullins and put Hall on practice squad.

[@ericoslund2937]

Why would he take a one year $35M contract?

[@Polyeith]

the belief leaguewide is that both sides will try to reach some sort of a contract agreement this offseason. McCarthy would be perfect as a backup in case Darnold ever goes down in the next year or two, and btw, Hall is on the Seahawks active roster nowadays.

[@navyshyts]

Alright a lot of you guys have to slow down. Half of this comment section ain’t shit in a sport, nor does your insight matter. Everyone sit your asses down . Relax and enjoy or the ride. SAM DARNOLD has a team around him. He is not that good . In the nfl you need a team to win. There is nooooooo fucking I in team. JJ will be ready to go and guess what you can build around him. That’s the smartest thing to do.

[@Dreamer88keys]

Jj McCarthy getting trade for Myles Garrett

[@52lap]

the no brainer is to keep Sam!

[@rogereastman3187]

The vast majority of teams and players will NEVER play in the Super Bowl. Which has become a very ho hum overrated experience