Sam Darnold vs JJ McCarthy: Who will start vs Raiders? Vikings HC lays out preseason plan
It looks like Sam Darnold is the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback! At least for now.
Ahead of their pre-season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Thursday that Darnold will get the start. The team will then turn to rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy after Darnold.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted:
"Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell told reporters that QB Sam Darnold will start Saturday’s preseason opener before the team then turns to J.J. McCarthy."
The Vikes are one of many teams that are having a quarterback battle heading into the 2024 season. Kirk Cousins left the team in free agency, signing a long-term deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Shortly after, Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets traded their first- and sixth-round selections to Minnesota in exchange for Minnesota's first, fourth-and fifth-round selections. With the 10th overall pick in this year's draft, the Vikes selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Darnold, a former first-round pick, joins his fourth team. He was drafted by the Jets with the third-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and lasted with the Jets for three seasons. Darnold was then traded to the Panthers in 2021 and lasted two seasons, going 8-9 as a starter.
Darnold signed a one-year contract with the 49ers last season, before joining the Vikings this off-season.
McCarthy had been Michigan's starting quarterback for the past two seasons. He led the Wolverines to a national championship this past season while going 15-0 as a starter. In his two years at Michigan, McCarthy has gone 27-1 as a starter.
Like the Minnesota Vikings, the Las Vegas Raiders have a QB competition of their own
Saturday's pre-season game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Las Vegas Raiders will be very pivotal for quarterback play.
Not only do the Vikes have a quarterback battle, but so do the Raiders. Second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell will be battling veteran Gardner Minshew, who signed with the team in free agency for the starting spot.
It is unknown as of right now who will start Saturday's game, but head coach Antonio Piece said both will play a quarter. Whoever doesn't start this Saturday will start in their second pre-season game.
Who do you think will play better for the Raiders on Saturday?