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Vikings are “Really Happy with JJ McCarthy” According to New Report
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- Vikings are “Really Happy with JJ McCarthy” According to New Report
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
We're a little over a month away from the start of NFL free agency on March 12, and one big question for the Vikings is what happens with quarterback Sam Darnold . If Minnesota doesn't bring him back, he'll hit the open market, but right now, it's unclear what they'll decide. One thing that is now clear, though: the Vikings are happy with J.J. McCarthy .
Minnesota Vikings like what they're seeing from QB JJ McCarthy
According to a recent report from NFL insider Albert Breer , the Vikings are really pleased with how JJ McCarthy is progressing in his recovery. He started traveling with the team back in October, and now he's not only up and running, but he's also throwing the ball again.
The Minnesota Vikings are really happy with J.J. McCarthy. He's back moving around and throwing, and will have a full offseason following August's meniscus repair and a subsequent second procedure in the fall that turned out to be more of a cleanup than anything else.
McCarthy began traveling with the team in October, per Breer, and he's been a regular presence in the QB room since his injury occurred. It's awesome to see McCarthy doing everything he can to stay focused and remain involved with the team, even as he continues to develop off the field while not being able to play.
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Albert Breer also believes the Vikings should bring Sam Darnold back
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
Despite the Vikings being happy with McCarthy, the well-established NFL insider isn't ready to ship QB Sam Darnold out of town just yet. He still believes the franchise tag is a viable option. Whether or not they could get a deal done off that tag is another question.
That said, I don't think that means you close the book on Darnold in Minnesota….But with the feeling that McCarthy can at least be a solid starter, the Vikings don't need to act out of desperation.
So, if Darnold's contractual demands are in line with where the Vikings see him, then great. If not? They could tag him at around $40 million, and maybe trade him. Or tag him and keep him for a year.
Related: Local Insider Reveals New Kevin O'Connell Contract Details with Vikings
Tagging Darnold seems like the smartest move, here. You're not locking him into a long-term deal, but you still get the chance to maximize his value on the trade market. If a deal doesn't materialize, then you get a really good QB for one more year.
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It's still very early in the Minnesota Vikings offseason. But once we get beyond Super Bowl weekend things will start to pick up very quickly.
