Vikings QB Purgatory: Watching the Ones We Missed

[medaille]

IMO, the reason the 2 year contract wasn’t wanted by either camp is because both sides knew Minnesota was drafting a QB in round 1.  I don’t think it was ever a consideration for either side.

Patience is required. Unfortunately, JJ missed SO many reps his rookie year because of the knee injury: couldn’t throw. Didn’t really get the all clear until early March. Then Jefferson was out with the hammy, no bond built. Then the O-line injuries. Then the accuracy struggles, the learning moments....development not only stunted, but pushed down the road. The fans felt deflated after the build up.

Old scars and purple PTSD has many shitting on everything. Regardless, patience once again is our only alternative. I still believe in McCarthy, he is the way to new territory for us as fans and the organization. JJ made big strides once KOC stopped getting on his ass about his mechanics. But this will be one of the longest, grumpiest and most pessimistic offseasons in recent memory. Until it isn't, hopefully. Remember: as bad as it looked at times, the Vikings only finished 2 games out of first place in the NFCN.

Agreed.  The whole point of the Darnold contract was that he was going to be the bridge QB for the QB we drafted.  It was a one year deal and we were going to give him a starting spot, help him play well and get a big contract that was probably bigger than we wanted to pay.

That was the premise that we had going into it.  Darnold wanted a stepping stone to a big payday.  We wanted a short term starting QB.  It was never on the table to lock Darnold down for multiple years for slightly above backup money.

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Maye was never an option. I want a super model wife. Despite my best laid plans, it wasn’t an option. I don’t think anyone is really that upset over Maye.

Darnold, we could have ponied up for. Despite all the revisionist history, no one really wanted to keep Darnold. The majority of the fan base, was ready to move on. Darnold was another Cousins. A guy who played well in one regular season, but couldn’t get over the hump. We wanted the young QB that could become our franchise QB. I think we all were worried that maybe Darnold could become the guy, but very few people really predicted that. Granted, there was some percentage of the fanbase who wanted the sure thing of a sort-of known quantity, but it wasn’t the majority of fans or anything. As much as the hind-sight brigade wants to make it seem like a bad decision, I don’t think it was. We made the right decision with the information we had. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out.

[MaroonBells]

Agreed.  The whole point of the Darnold contract was that he was going to be the bridge QB for the QB we drafted.  It was a one year deal and we were going to give him a starting spot, help him play well and get a big contract that was probably bigger than we wanted to pay.

That was the premise that we had going into it.  Darnold wanted a stepping stone to a big payday.  We wanted a short term starting QB.  It was never on the table to lock Darnold down for multiple years for slightly above backup money.

Keep in mind this is exactly what the 49ers did with Mac Jones when they signed him to a two year deal. And now they're going to reap the benefits of it. 

But yes, Sticky's point is well made. Unlike Jones, Darnold likely knew he was going to be the starter in Minny and might parlay that into a big contract.

[greediron]

I expect big improvements from Kwesi this year.. he is now attending a Quality Learing Center 3 days a week.

OK, I laughed out loud at this.

[PurplePorsche]

Love the discussion and takes on this subject.  My wife read an article in The Athletic about the Vikings/Darnold/ etc. (this story is going to get more and more play with the 2-week Super Bowl hype) and made the comment to me this morning that it "isn't fair" to judge this with the benefit of hindsight.  There is some truth to that, but the real importance of this discussion is: how should this inform the Wilfs as to the futures of KOC and KAM?  In business you get judged by results, and there is always (and appropriately) going to be hindsight involved.  That business strategy didn't work out?  Forget that "everyone" agreed to it and who could have foreseen the events that led to the strategy failing.  You get paid for your judgments, and you better be right more times than not, and almost always on the stuff that really matters.  So, yes, it is hindsight, but here is what I think should inform the Wilfs about KOC and KAM.  When we brought in Darnold, was it the right call to do a 1-year contract?  Clearly, in hindsight, no.  As was pointed out, maybe Darnold did not want a multi-year deal.  Doesn't really matter -- by agreeing to one year, the Vikings put themselves in the untenable position that ultimately presented itself.  Always plan for success.  Darnold was "successful", yet we set ourselves up to have little leverage.  Next, what does it say about KAM/KOC judgement on Darnold?  Sure, lots of fans soured on Sammy after two poor games when the season was on the line.  Fans are fickle.  Who had the real insight?  Was 2024 and important steppingstone in the career ascension of Darnold (turns out, yes) or was it reinforcement that he did not have the "it" to perform when the lights were brightest?  Hindsight says the wrong decision was made, but it was those closest and with the best view of the situation who decided to part company with Sammy -- what does that say about their judgment?  Same for JJM.  Who was in a better position to make the call on whether JJM was ready to take the reins of a 14-win team and produce results consistent with the talent on the roster?  Certainly KOC.  Who knew from studying tape and working with JJM in training camp before his rookie season that his mechanics needed significant work?  Certainly KOC.  Who kept preaching about "failing" young quarterbacks by playing them too early and setting them up to fail?  Oh, that was KOC in spades.  And with all of that, his judgement was that JJM starting week 1 of the 2025 campaign was the best thing for this organization.  We can debate this, but in my mind the answer is that KOC and KAM made the wrong judgments.  In hindsight, would you rather have Sam Darnold and no Jonathan Allen?  Of course.  Would you have sacrificed the Kelly and Hargrave moves to have room for Darnold under the cap?  Of course.  And I guess what really gets me about this is the KOC angle.  Everything he preached with McCarthy would have suggested he was willing to develop him for a few years on the bench (ala Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love), yet when it came time to make the judgment call, he went all in on JJM before he was ready.  I think that is fact.  Now, does it turn out that JJM's struggles in 2025 become the launching pad for him to be the next Tom Brady?  Damn, I sure hope so.  And maybe Darnold sees ghosts in the Super Bowl and never recovers his form.  But like I said, you get paid for your judgment, and you better be right on the important ones.  This is an important one, from the decision to draft JJM, to his development, to choosing him over Darnold.  If I were the Wilfs, I'd be thinking real hard on this...
__PRESENT

[purplefaithful]

Love the discussion and takes on this subject.  My wife read an article in The Athletic about the Vikings/Darnold/ etc. (this story is going to get more and more play with the 2-week Super Bowl hype) and made the comment to me this morning that it "isn't fair" to judge this with the benefit of hindsight.  There is some truth to that, but the real importance of this discussion is: how should this inform the Wilfs as to the futures of KOC and KAM?  In business you get judged by results, and there is always (and appropriately) going to be hindsight involved.  That business strategy didn't work out?  Forget that "everyone" agreed to it and who could have foreseen the events that led to the strategy failing.  You get paid for your judgments, and you better be right more times than not, and almost always on the stuff that really matters.  So, yes, it is hindsight, but here is what I think should inform the Wilfs about KOC and KAM.  When we brought in Darnold, was it the right call to do a 1-year contract?  Clearly, in hindsight, no.  As was pointed out, maybe Darnold did not want a multi-year deal.  Doesn't really matter -- by agreeing to one year, the Vikings put themselves in the untenable position that ultimately presented itself.  Always plan for success.  Darnold was "successful", yet we set ourselves up to have little leverage.  Next, what does it say about KAM/KOC judgement on Darnold?  Sure, lots of fans soured on Sammy after two poor games when the season was on the line.  Fans are fickle.  Who had the real insight?  Was 2024 and important steppingstone in the career ascension of Darnold (turns out, yes) or was it reinforcement that he did not have the "it" to perform when the lights were brightest?  Hindsight says the wrong decision was made, but it was those closest and with the best view of the situation who decided to part company with Sammy -- what does that say about their judgment?  Same for JJM.  Who was in a better position to make the call on whether JJM was ready to take the reins of a 14-win team and produce results consistent with the talent on the roster?  Certainly KOC.  Who knew from studying tape and working with JJM in training camp before his rookie season that his mechanics needed significant work?  Certainly KOC.  Who kept preaching about "failing" young quarterbacks by playing them too early and setting them up to fail?  Oh, that was KOC in spades.  And with all of that, his judgement was that JJM starting week 1 of the 2025 campaign was the best thing for this organization.  We can debate this, but in my mind the answer is that KOC and KAM made the wrong judgments.  In hindsight, would you rather have Sam Darnold and no Jonathan Allen?  Of course.  Would you have sacrificed the Kelly and Hargrave moves to have room for Darnold under the cap?  Of course.  And I guess what really gets me about this is the KOC angle.  Everything he preached with McCarthy would have suggested he was willing to develop him for a few years on the bench (ala Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love), yet when it came time to make the judgment call, he went all in on JJM before he was ready.  I think that is fact.  Now, does it turn out that JJM's struggles in 2025 become the launching pad for him to be the next Tom Brady?  Damn, I sure hope so.  And maybe Darnold sees ghosts in the Super Bowl and never recovers his form.  But like I said, you get paid for your judgment, and you better be right on the important ones.  This is an important one, from the decision to draft JJM, to his development, to choosing him over Darnold.  If I were the Wilfs, I'd be thinking real hard on this...
__PRESENT

The issue as I see it is a couple fold:

1). I dont think Darnold would have had the same success here in 25 as he did in Sea. Not w/out Kelly, no Darrisaw (or a hobbled Darrisaw) most of the year, no Charbonet or Walker in the backfield and (maybe most importantly) how he probably would have had to carry the offense more here than in SEA. 

I dont think thats the sweet spot for him. But I will also contend the Vikings would have won at least 3 more games with him (12/5 for the year.)

2). I cant help but wonder what the year/trajectory we might've seen from JJM IF he did not have the high ankle sprain that sidelined him for what? 30% of the season? KOC, McDonald, Harbaugh or Belichek could not predict that kind of devastating injury in the previous off-season. 

All that said, my confidence in #9 was shaken this year. His maturity, decision making, accuracy etc..I don't believe the coaching and front office are "clean" from criticism or second guesses after 2025 and no dance card to show for it.

[IceRatz16]

I get that the Vikings were probably never landing Maye.  That’s not really the argument.  The point is that this Super Bowl still forces fans to look at the what-ifs, and from that lens it’s going to be a tough watch.

Most of us enjoyed what Sam did last year, I did too.  In hindsight, the one-year deal is frustrating, but let’s be honest: Sam had failed everywhere he went before Minnesota.  Who, at the time, was upset about a one-year contract when he signed it?  I don’t remember many.  People hoped he’d be better, sure, but nobody was predicting a 14-3 season.

The other piece people keep skipping is timing.  Darnold was signed before McCarthy was drafted.  Everyone knew the Vikings were still going QB, and everyone also knows most rookies don’t start immediately.  Sam was always either going to start or compete; that was the plan.

From Darnold’s side, a two-year deal didn’t make much sense either.  Either he plays well and wants another bite at free agency (which just happened), or he’s locked into a QB competition and potentially backing up a first-round rookie in year two.  There’s no incentive there.

So yeah, the Super Bowl irony stings.  But the process itself wasn’t reckless.  It just played out in the most Vikings way possible.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

I see all these reasons things turned out the way they did, but the Vikings looked for a franchise QB for years without much success. They had one in their hands and let him go. There may be a number of reasons that happened, but I can't for one minute see how it wasn't a mistake. The Vikings out of the playoffs 4 or 5 weeks before the end of the regular season and Sammy going to the superbowl seems like pretty solid evidence to me.
The Vikings weren't a bad team, they just lacked good QB play.
They chose to go with an unknown and unproven QB and signed a bunch of free agents who didn't work out for the most part.
That decision will get some people fired if JJ doesn't work out next year.

[StickierBuns]

I get that the Vikings were probably never landing Maye.  That’s not really the argument.  The point is that this Super Bowl still forces fans to look at the what-ifs, and from that lens it’s going to be a tough watch.

Most of us enjoyed what Sam did last year, I did too.  In hindsight, the one-year deal is frustrating, but let’s be honest: Sam had failed everywhere he went before Minnesota.  Who, at the time, was upset about a one-year contract when he signed it?  I don’t remember many.  People hoped he’d be better, sure, but nobody was predicting a 14-3 season.

The other piece people keep skipping is timing.  Darnold was signed before McCarthy was drafted.  Everyone knew the Vikings were still going QB, and everyone also knows most rookies don’t start immediately.  Sam was always either going to start or compete; that was the plan.

From Darnold’s side, a two-year deal didn’t make much sense either.  Either he plays well and wants another bite at free agency (which just happened), or he’s locked into a QB competition and potentially backing up a first-round rookie in year two.  There’s no incentive there.

So yeah, the Super Bowl irony stings.  But the process itself wasn’t reckless.  It just played out in the most Vikings way possible.

What I'm enjoying about this thread is the level-headed thoughtfulness of what really happened and the rationale. You won't find this on X, the ridiculous clickbait sites, lazy national media, etc. Hell, this board has fallen a bit into that with the knee jerk 'fire everyone' ridiculousness of some. Trust me, I think we can all say we're a bit frustrated and disappointed on another season...again. 

But I'll keep saying it ad nauseam for those in the back row: with everything that went on last season, still only 2 games behind Chicago for the NFCN crown. And should have beaten them twice. The Vikings will be competitive for the division in 2026. This staff got the team to 5 straight wins to end the year when they could have easily folded up their tents....no coach 'lost' the team.

[IceRatz16]

What I'm enjoying about this thread is the level-headed thoughtfulness of what really happened and the rationale. You won't find this on X, the ridiculous clickbait sites, lazy national media, etc. Hell, this board has fallen a bit into that with the knee jerk 'fire everyone' ridiculousness of some. Trust me, I think we can all say we're a bit frustrated and disappointed on another season...again. 

But I'll keep saying it ad nauseam for those in the back row: with everything that went on last season, still only 2 games behind Chicago for the NFCN crown. And should have beaten them twice. The Vikings will be competitive for the division in 2026. This staff got the team to 5 straight wins to end the year when they could have easily folded up their tents....no coach 'lost' the team.

Agreed, Sticky.  One of the reasons I posted this in this forum is because you can still have an actual football conversation instead of everything turning into instant outrage or “someone has to be fired” within two posts.  What I find interesting is how quickly hindsight turns into certainty on some boards. I’ve been on a lot of Vikings forums over the years, and while every place has different viewpoints, this one tends to stay more level-headed. I’m all for heated debate, but the constant doom spiral and “burn it all down” stuff gets old when you step back and look at the bigger picture.

At the time, most people understood the Darnold move for what it was, low risk, bridge option, competition if needed.  Now that it worked better than expected, people want to rewrite it like the team fumbled something obvious.  I get some were on the side that believe Darnold would be more successful in MN, whether that was because it was a good fit and/or because of KO's reputation.  That’s not really how it played out in real time for most though.

And honestly, part of being a fan of a team that’s usually competitive but not bottoming out is you live in the gray area.  You’re close enough to care every year, which is way more emotionally exhausting than being terrible or being elite.  You don’t get the reset of a full rebuild, and you don’t get the payoff of a title, you just live in that tension.

That’s why these “what if” moments hit harder here than they do for a lot of other fanbases. When you’re constantly in the mix, every fork in the road feels bigger in hindsight.

I’d still take that over being irrelevant for five years at a time. It just doesn’t make January any less brutal.

[MaroonBells]

What I find interesting is how quickly hindsight turns into certainty on some boards. 

Truer words...

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Hindsight says the wrong decision was made, but it was those closest and with the best view of the situation who decided to part company with Sammy -- what does that say about their judgment?  Same for JJM.  Who was in a better position to make the call on whether JJM was ready to take the reins of a 14-win team and produce results consistent with the talent on the roster?  Certainly KOC.  Who knew from studying tape and working with JJM in training camp before his rookie season that his mechanics needed significant work?  Certainly KOC.  Who kept preaching about "failing" young quarterbacks by playing them too early and setting them up to fail?  Oh, that was KOC in spades.  And with all of that, his judgement was that JJM starting week 1 of the 2025 campaign was the best thing for this organization.  We can debate this, but in my mind the answer is that KOC and KAM made the wrong judgments.  

If my options are Darnold at $40M per (the franchise tag, the only way we could've kept him), with the $40M cap hit that goes with it, and no one else....or JJ McCarthy going into his 2nd season in the offense, on a rookie contract, along with Kelly, Fries, Hargrave, Allen, etc...I think I make the same decision they did. I think most of us do. And it would've been just as "wrong" as the decision they made. 

And while we judge the decision to go with JJ "wrong," it's an oversimplification that doesn't account for a few realities. For example, it doesn't take into account that JJ missed seven games due to injuries, stunting his development, and obviously not something that could have been foreseen by anyone. Still, he finished the year strong. In his last 4 games, he had 7 total TDs and 2 INTs. If you give him those 7 games back, I think the results we saw at the end of the year probably happen 7 weeks earlier, probably early enough to make the playoffs. And then are we even having this conversation?