J.J. McCarthy reacts to Sam Darnold creating NFL history with Vikings amid trade rumors

J.J. McCarthy may not be playing in his rookie season because of a devastating meniscal tear, but he has seen his Minnesota Vikings surpass expectations and contend for the NFC North title.

On Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, Sam Darnold made history. He completed 33 of 43 attempts for three touchdowns against an interception in the 27-25 win. The win was his 14th, the most by a QB in their first season with a new team.

McCarthy could only marvel at such dominance, plastering a happy-tears emoji onto a link banner in his Instagram Stories:

J.J. McCarthy reacts to Sam Darnold's historic win

It comes amidst much controversy at the quarterback position. Initially, the Vikings had been said to be done with Darnold after the season, regardless of how well they fared.

But with multiple teams expressing interest in trading for the former Michigan Wolverine, the former third overall pick may have secured himself at least another year in Minneapolis, as per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Vikings reportedly make decision on Sam Darnold's future as J.J. McCarthy waits for his chance

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Vikings have changed their stance on San Darnold's future and want to keep him for 2025. But at the same time, it could alienate J.J. McCarthy, who had been perceived as the face of the franchise's future before his injury.

One option would be a $41 million franchise tag, (amount via Over the Cap).In an interesting side note, their predecessor Kirk Cousins joined the franchise after expressing discontent in Washington (he was the first quarterback in league history to be tagged at least twice consecutively).

Russini wrote:

“It would give McCarthy another year to develop from the bench, or at least set up a real competition. And it would give the Vikings a chance to do a shorter-term deal that’s more cap-friendly, yet also gives Darnold similar money to what he’d get on the open market.”

The other option would be a deal akin to Baker Mayfield’s in Tampa. The former first overall pick was given a three-year, $100 million contract in 2023 and will have a low cap hit of $6.9 million in 2024. Its terms allow the Buccaneers to waive him early with a dead cap charge of just $33.1 million.