Vikings make J.J. McCarthy decision on QB depth chart

The Minnesota Vikings made Michigan hero J.J. McCarthy the fifth quarterback taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. And while first-round quarterbacks are usually expected to start the season under center, it appears the Vikings are not yet sold on the prospect of McCarthy guaranteeing some wins this year.

The Vikings' first "unofficial" depth chart has Sam Darnold listed as QB1. McCarthy will likely slot in as Darnold's backup with Nick Mullens third on the depth chart.

The Vikings appear to be looking at 2024 as a bridge year. Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency but the franchise did sign Justin Jefferson to a monster contract extension. His four-year, $140 million extension makes him the league's highest-paid non-quarterback. The Vikings are not exactly all-in on 2024 but it's a big jump up from college football to the NFL. A year as the backup QB could work wonders for McCarthy in 2025.

NFL: AUG 03 Vikings Training Camp - Source: Getty

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Justin Jefferson outlines differences between J.J. McCarthy and Sam Darnold

In training camp this week, reporters asked Jefferson to outline the differences between McCarthy and Darnold in what was, at the time, a QB battle between the two. Jefferson said (via Sports Illustrated):

"They're both different types of quarterbacks. Sam is more of a vet quarterback, he likes to put touch on the ball here and there, he knows what speed he needs to throw the ball and how he needs to throw the ball. J.J.'s still young and just wants to rip it all the time. He has that strong arm and wants to get it there."

Darnold does, after all, have 56 games' worth of experience under his belt since being drafted No. 3 overall in 2018. McCarthy may have led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship but when it comes to the NFL, the rookie will have a lot to learn.

However, going by multiple training camp reports, head coach Kevin O'Connell has made sure to serve some first-team reps for McCarthy. It's certainly not out of the realm of possibility that the Vikings could turn to McCarthy if Darnold showcases a decline in his talents.