Sam Darnold Lets Vikings Off the Hook; Praises JJ McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings are busy trying to hire a new general manager, a process that seemingly gets more confusing to follow by the day.
Meanwhile, JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray are preparing themselves for the start of offseason team activities next week, or as the Vikings see it, the start of their 2026 quarterback competition.
Over on the west coast, the Seahawks have no such issues, after former Vikings QB Sam Darnold led Seattle to a Super Bowl victory in 2025-26, one year after resuscitating his career under Kevin O’Connell and the QB friendly coaching staff in Minnesota.
Instead, Darnold has been busy doing victory lap interviews the past few months, off his first career Lombardi. However, in classic Sam Darnold fashion, his celebration circuit includes nothing but good things to say about his former team, despite having all the ammo he needs… (a Super Bowl ring).
Sam Darnold “totally understands” Vikings’ decision; believes in McCarthy
During a recent appearance on the San Clemente Podcast, the 28-year-old former top 3 overall draft pick told hosts Jeff Moore and former NFLer, Brian de la Puente, that he “totally understands” why the MN Vikings let him walk to Seattle last offseason, instead of seeking another contract.
Obviously, it’s difficult to talk about why Darnold was able to walk away from Minnesota, without touching on his replacement in Minnesota, JJ McCarthy.
And when the conversation turned in JJ’s direction, Sam made it clear he holds no ill will toward his former teammate, endorsing McCarthy and forecasting him to be “a really good player in this league.”
“I totally understand the move to, to go with the younger quarterback on a rookie deal — signing these veteran players that you can maybe pay a little bit more while he’s on his rookie deal. Um, especially if you believe in him.
The business side of it, I totally understand. And like, I think JJ is a good player. I think he’s gonna be a really good player in this league. I truly believe that.
For them to see that [in McCarthy] and be like, ‘All right, we’re gonna [go with JJ]. Sam, that was a great year, but [this is] the business part of it. I was like, okay, like, you know, I totally understand that that’s the hardest part of this whole thing.”
Sam Darnold – San Clemente Podcast
The most interesting takeaway from this interview isn’t Sam Darnold’s handling of everything post-Vikings. When it comes to starting drama, Sam is unflappable.
What he said about JJ McCarthy, though, is more noteworthy. That’s because, back in late October, there were reports that Darnold didn’t really get along with McCarthy while both were in Minnesota. Whether that is true or not, he didn’t show it while on the San Clemente podcast for over an hour.
Hopefully, Darnold is correct about JJ McCarthy
We all hope JJ McCarthy will become a good player in this league, like Sam does. Of course, it’s difficult to wrap your brain around that when the last time we saw the 23-year-old former No. 10 overall pick, he threw for just 1,632 yards on 57% passing for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season.
For comparison, Sam Darnold was “a really good quarterback” for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, when he threw for 4,319 yards on 66% passing for 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Can JJ get to that kind of season anytime in the near future? Probably not with Kyler Murray playing ahead of him.
Related: MN Vikings Add D-Line Depth with Former Steeler
It’s worth noting that Darnold’s numbers declined in Seattle, passing alongside an incredible run game and a playcaller who isn’t afraid to use it.
As a Seahawk last season, the former USC star threw for 4,038 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He did, however, have a high completion percentage (67.7%)… and a Super Bowl.
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