Sam Darnold’s breakout season has seen many hoping that the team re-signs and builds around the quarterback, potentially even moving on from JJ McCarthy before he’s played a single game. But that does not appear to be the way that things are heading.

The Vikings would not have expected to see Darnold out-perform the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy and Kyler Murray, but that’s exactly what he has done while finally living up to his draft profile in his seventh year in the league.

Darnold has thrown for 35 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions in the regular season while leading the team to a 14-3 record, having the 5th seed and the second-best record in the NFC going into the playoffs.

His excellent play has left many stating that the Vikings cannot allow Darnold to leave this offseason, needing to re-sign him to a deal to continue to enhance the likes of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, while being set to become a free agent this offseason.

However, the Vikings have McCarthy ready and waiting for 2025, after drafting him with the 10th overall selection in last year’s class before losing him to a season-ending injury with Darnold coming in his place.

McCarthy could be traded for potentially a first-round pick, allowing the Vikings to continue to build around Darnold and improve on one of the better team’s in the NFL this season – with the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks all reportedly interest in a deal for the former Michigan Wolverines National Championship winner.

Sam Darnold has been named to the Pro Bowl roster, performing at a high level this season and perhaps forcing the Vikings to keep him this offseason ( 

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Getty Images)

However, NFL.com insider Tom Pelissero has suggested that the Vikings are unlikely to consider any offer for McCarthy, with the most likely situation being that they keep both quarterbacks.

Reports have suggested that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is on board with the franchise keeping Darnold to a long-term deal – in a move that will cause the organization a head coach – keeping McCarthy away from the field, a quarterback who needs to be given playing-time while still needing to prove doubters wrong from his time in college.

It remains to be seen what the Vikings will do with Darnold, but if they do decide to keep him, expect trade discussions for McCarthy to immediately intensify, with multiple teams needing an upgrade at the quarterback position.