Vikings Encouraged to Pursue Former 5,000-Yard Passer as Insurance Policy
Following a remarkable 2024 season, which saw Sam Darnold revive his career and deliver stellar quarterback play, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing for a new era under center. This year, rookie signal-caller JJ McCarthy—who missed all of last season due to a meniscus injury—is slated to take the reins. While the team is optimistic about his potential, there’s no guarantee that he’ll succeed immediately.
Given this uncertainty, analysts argue that the Vikings should consider adding a proven veteran to solidify their quarterback depth. Beyond McCarthy, Minnesota’s quarterback room features Sam Howell, who has 20 NFL games under his belt; Brett Rypien, with just 10 appearances and four starts; and Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently proposed that Minnesota acquire Jameis Winston from the New York Giants in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Winston, the top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has been relegated to third-string duties in New York behind Russell Wilson and promising rookie Jaxson Dart. “The Vikings have placed significant trust in McCarthy, their 2023 first-round pick, but given he’s yet to play an NFL snap, they need a reliable fallback option,” Kay explained. “Winston could be that guy—affordable, experienced, and still capable of making big plays.”
Although injuries have hindered Winston in recent years, his résumé includes a 2019 season where he led the league with 5,109 passing yards, albeit alongside 30 interceptions. At 31, he remains a high-upside talent who could thrive in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system, especially with weapons like Justin Jefferson at his disposal.
Darnold’s resurgence in 2024 serves as a reminder of what the Vikings’ infrastructure can do for quarterbacks. Once written off as a bust, Darnold posted 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions last season, propelling Minnesota to a 14-3 record. Adding Winston could not only provide critical depth but also create healthy competition, motivating McCarthy to elevate his game.
While McCarthy excelled at Michigan in Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy scheme, questions remain about his adaptability to the pass-centric NFL. Winston might not be the perfect mentor, but his experience and presence could prove invaluable as Minnesota pursues another deep playoff run.
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