Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA;Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to part ways with quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones is proving to be a significant miscalculation. As of now, both players are making headlines for their remarkable performances with their new teams. Darnold is showcasing Pro Bowl-level talent with the Seattle Seahawks, while Jones has led the Indianapolis Colts to the NFL’s best record this season. Their success contrasts sharply with the Vikings’ struggles, as evidenced by a disappointing 37-10 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.
The Vikings opted for a bold strategy this offseason, banking on their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, to become the team’s starting quarterback. This decision came despite Darnold’s pivotal role in leading the Vikings to a 14-win season in 2024. Questions lingered about Darnold’s ability to replicate that success, and the organization took a considerable risk by letting him walk in free agency. They also underestimated Jones, who had performed poorly during his tenure with the New York Giants.
McCarthy has emerged as an uncertain prospect. After suffering a significant injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie season, he has only appeared in two games this year. His struggle to adapt has raised concerns about his development as a quarterback. The Vikings’ management may have been overly optimistic regarding McCarthy’s readiness for the starting role, leaving them vulnerable without adequate backup options.
Instead of pursuing a contract similar to the one Darnold signed with Seattle—essentially a one-year deal with two void years—the Vikings chose to go in a different direction. Their current backup, Carson Wentz, has faced challenges of his own. Once a promising player, Wentz has now played for six teams in as many years and has won only 17 of his last 42 starts. His performance has deteriorated further this season, culminating in additional turnovers during Thursday’s loss.
While it would be imprudent to attribute all of the Vikings’ current issues solely to Wentz, his struggles certainly exacerbate the team’s quarterback dilemma. With McCarthy still recovering and showing limited potential, the Vikings are left grappling with an uncertain future at the most vital position in football.
As Darnold and Jones continue to excel with their respective teams, the Vikings face growing scrutiny over their decision-making. The contrast is stark: two former players potentially in the MVP conversation, while Minnesota grapples with a significant quarterback crisis. The Vikings’ gamble has not paid off, and the ramifications of their choices may linger throughout the season.
