JJ Watt suggests retaining Sam Darnold despite bringing in rookie QB JJ McCarthy

Former NFL defensive star JJ Watt backed Sam Darnold to remain the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback. He points to Darnold's remarkable transformation from castoff to MVP candidate. His endorsement arrives as Minnesota weighs their veteran's success against rookie JJ McCarthy's potential.

After struggling with the Jets and Panthers, Sam Darnold signed a modest $10 million contract with Minnesota. He's now piloted the Vikings to nine straight wins and the NFC's best record.

Speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Dec. 30, 2024, Watt assessed Minnesota's quarterback situation. His comments followed Darnold's masterful performance in a crucial 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers:

"43 million is the number anyway," Watt said. "So if you're gonna pay it like I think you have to try and run it back. This is way too damn hard to find a quarterback that fits what you want to do that can be successful in this league. I would much rather have the bird in the hand, versus two in the bush."

The Vikings' quarterback dynamic presents a fascinating contrast. McCarthy arrives with a sterling college record of 27-1 and elite arm talent. Yet, Sam Darnold's 4,153 passing yards and 35 touchdowns have Minnesota eyeing their first Super Bowl appearance since 1977.

Sam Darnold's journey from backup to MVP contender

Syndication: The Post-Crescent - Source: Imagn

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has unleashed Darnold's potential. The Athletic detailed his recent seven-game stretch: 2,012 yards, 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Against Green Bay, he delivered in clutch moments, including three perfect throws to ice the game.

Running back Aaron Jones captured the team's sentiment (via The Athletic):

"Outside these walls, nobody really believed in him. Nobody gave him a chance. But he's proving everybody wrong."

The Vikings face the 13-2 Detroit Lions in their regular-season finale with the NFC's top seed at stake. O'Connell's aggressive play-calling philosophy has meshed perfectly with Darnold's skill set:

"I know for us to get to where we want to go, we've got to be aggressive," O'Connell told The Athletic.

McCarthy's collegiate achievements suggest immense potential. However, the Vikings' unexpected rise under Darnold validates Watt's stance.