Overlooked QB could steady the Vikings if J.J. McCarthy struggles

Los Angeles Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo | David Banks-Imagn ImagesIt's certainly no secret that the biggest topic of conversation surrounding the Minnesota Vikings during the 2025 season was quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy, of course, was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but became the first QB in NFL history taken in the first round to miss his entire rookie year due to injury after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee during the preseason.

That injury, of course, paved the way for Sam Darnold to step up and have a career year in leading the Vikes to a 14-3 regular-season record, which earned him a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks…