another great player injury in vikings camp raise concerns about his durability

On Wednesday, the Minnesota  Vikings received a significant update on injured rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted McCarthy — who hasn’t played this season — underwent a second surgery on his right knee this week to reduce swelling that developed during rehab. Seifert added the 2024 No. 10 overall pick received a biological injection as part of the procedure.

The surgery isn’t expected to affect McCarthy’s timetable, but it may raise concerns about his durability. With that in mind, the Vikings should consider re-signing QB Sam Darnold — who is on a one-year, $10M deal — this offseason.

The former New York Jets bust has proved he can be a competent starter in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system. In nine starts, Darnold is 7-2, is tied for the league’s fourth-most TD passes (17) and ranks 13th in passing yards (2,141).

The 2018 No. 3 overall pick has the Vikings in the thick of the playoff hunt. Minnesota would hold the No. 5 seed in the NFC if the season ended Wednesday night.

Even if McCarthy’s recovery goes according to plan, the 27-year-old Darnold could still be a solid bridge QB who gives the Michigan product more time to develop.

Assuming Minnesota wants to re-sign Darnold, it will face some competition. In their early top-25 free-agency rankings, ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler listed Darnold at No. 8.

Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $32.4M annually. QB-needy teams (the Las Vegas Raiders or Tennessee Titans) may be willing to give him a deal in a similar ballpark when he enters free agency.

While money talks in free agency, few teams offer a better situation than Minnesota. The Vikings offense includes talented pass-catchers in wide receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Whether Darnold stays in Minnesota or not, having a fallback plan certainly wouldn’t hurt the Vikings, especially when the QB of the future is already battling a nagging injury.

 

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