For the first time since 2021, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has the inside lane to start Week 1; but he doesn’t intend to let that impact another focus of his, mentoring J.J. McCarthy.
After signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings in March, Darnold, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets, accepted that the team would look to draft a future franchise quarterback and that this year would be his chance to prove he can be a more consistent quarterback in the league.
“It’s just how it goes, right?” Darnold said on May 21 after his first two days of practice with McCarthy, per the Star Tribune. “There’s a lot of businesses where you can be in your business for 30-40 years, and the NFL I think the average is like 3-4 years. It’s a little bit different. Going into my seventh year now, even though I still am young, I do feel like a vet and just being able to help guys — not only J.J., but help any young guys in the locker room that need anything, I’m always happy to help.”
While Darnold intends to compete and hold onto his starting spot, his willingness to mentor McCarthy comes as a passing of the torch that he once experienced with Vikings quarterback coach Josh McCown in New York.
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