Sam Darnold Praises J.J. McCarthy, Says He 'Understood' Vikings QB Decision Before Seahawks Contract

Sam Darnold had a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings and led them to a 14-3 record in 2024, but they ultimately let him walk in free agency in favor of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

While that decision may have been perplexing to some, Darnold said he gets the rationale behind why Minnesota chose McCarthy over him.

"For me personally, obviously I believe in myself and I understand my abilities," Darnold said (6-minute mark). "But at the same time I understand their thought process of going with the younger kid. Especially J.J., you know, I think J.J.'s very talented and super smart and there's a lot of potential there and I think J.J.'s gonna be a really, really good player in this league... That was a little bit of a tough pill to swallow, but when I really stood back and looked at it from afar, I really understood the decision."

Things ultimately worked out for Darnold. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks and had another tremendous year, throwing for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading his new team to its first Super Bowl in more than a decade.

Meanwhile in Minnesota, the Vikings finished the season 9-8 as McCarthy battled injuries.