The Minnesota Vikings had a less than ideal start to the team’s NFL playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Yet, there could be one Vikings player that benefitted from Sam Darnold’s performance. 

In addition to taking multiple sacks, Darnold threw an interception and had a fumble without passing for a touchdown as the Vikings trailed the Rams 24-3 at halftime. The Vikings face a decision about Sam Darnold’s future as the former No. 3 pick is slated to be a free agent this offseason. 

Rather than signing Darnold to a long-term deal, the Vikings could use the franchise tag in order to retain the veteran. The challenge is Minnesota selected former Michigan Wolverines standout quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. 

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reacts.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Back-to-back shaky performances to end the season could have Minnesota feeling better about moving on from Darnold in favor of McCarthy after the signal-caller was sidelined for his entire rookie season. 

“3 weeks ago people were asking whether JJ McCarthy was on the market,” Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy said in a message on X on Monday. “What a difference a couple weeks make. Darnold looks horrific again.”

“JJ McCarthy is having a great night tonight,” another NFL analyst noted. 

“This man will be the Vikings starting QB next year,” Audacy’s Zack Gelb explained. “Minnesota will go with JJ McCarthy over Sam Darnold.”

“Cheer up Vikings fans,” Fantasy Life’s Thor Nystrom remarked. “We are 2 quarters away from the JJ McCarthy era.”

“Darnold is sure making any ‘controversy’ people were talking about go away,” one fan added.