For the second-straight season, the Vikings find themselves down a quarterback. J.J. McCarthy, the highly touted first-rounder expected to compete for the starting job this season, is set to miss the remainder of his rookie season after tearing his meniscus in Minnesota's preseason opener against the Raiders.
McCarthy put forth a strong showing vs. Las Vegas, overcoming an early interception to record two touchdown passes across six series' worth of game time.
McCarthy's absence should loom large in Minnesota's QB room, a landscape that already looks different after Kirk Cousins' departure this offseason. Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall figure to be the biggest beneficiaries of McCarthy's ailment, as all three will hope it provides an opportunity to make a claim for the starting gig.
With that, here's how the Vikings' depth chart shakes out following McCarthy's season-ending injury.
MORE VIKINGS: J.J. McCarthy injury details | Sam Darnold career timeline | Fantasy fallout
Vikings QB depth chart
1. Sam Darnold
Darnold retains his place at the top of the ladder following McCarthy's injury. The USC product only recently arrived in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, inking a one-year, $10 million deal with the franchise in the spring. It seems he's made quite the impression, however, earning head coach Kevin O'Connell's trust en route to being named QB1 in training camp.
A former No. 3-overall pick, Darnold has flattered to deceive over the course of his six-year NFL career. Three seasons as a starter with the Jets did little to help his reputation, and he's dovetailed between temporary starter and backup with the Panthers and 49ers, respectively.
Darnold is far from an impressive candidate in the starting position. His mobility could prove valuable for a Minnesota side teeming with playmakers, but his passing ability is fairly limited. If there are better options available to O'Connell and his staff — be that on the depth chart or other rosters — expect the Vikings to look into them.
2. Nick Mullens
Much like Darnold, Mullens has all the makings of a journeyman QB. He got ample play time in 2023, benefitting from an injuries to Kirk Cousins and Jaren Hall, as well as poor play from Joshua Dobbs.
The results left a lot to be desired. In five games, Mullens recorded 1,306 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions, posting a passer rating of 88.4. Minnesota lost each of his three starts, with the Southern Mississippi alum tossing multiple interceptions in all three games.
Mullens and McCarthy were considered neck-and-neck for the No. 2 role at the start of preseason. Mullens takes full possession of that spot now that McCarthy is on the mend. O'Connell has gone to him in the past, but his performances have been underwhelming. We'll see if Minnesota will go to that well as the season wears on.
3. Jaren Hall
Rounding out Minnesota's QB depth chart is second-year side-winder Jaren Hall, a fifth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hall appeared in three games as a rookie, recording totals of zero touchdowns, one interception, four sacks and two fumbles lost. O'Connell attempted to put his faith in the former BYU talent against the Packers, handing Hall a start as the Vikings attempted to lock up a wild-card berth in Week 17.
Hall's outing lasted all of two quarters, with O'Connell reversing course and enlisting Mullens for the role of starter during the game's second half. Minnesota would end up losing the game — and with it, the franchise's postseason chances — 33-10. Oof.
Vikings alternative QB options
Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill represents a quick and easy option for the Vikings at quarterback if O'Connell and Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah want him. The 36-year-old has plenty of experience as a starter and could very well emerge as an upgrade over Darnold, Mullens, and Hall.
Tannehill is currently unattached after being let go by the Titans following the conclusion of the 2023 season. His numbers have dwindled markedly since his peak. Tannehill recorded just four touchdowns to seven interceptions across eight starts last year. Nevertheless, he's used to working with big weapons and is readily available. Don't be surprised if Minnesota gives him a call.
Desmond Ridder
Ridder's stock has tumbled significantly since he received third-round billing back in 2023. The now-Cardinals QB played precious few minutes in Atlanta last campaign, falling behind Taylor Heinicke as the year wore on. He still finished the season with 13 starts, but he wasn't the player he was tipped to be coming out of Cincinnati, completing 64.1 percent of his pass attempts for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Ridder wasn't good enough in ATL. He's sat firmly behind Kyler Murray in the Cards' roster layout and could garner some interest from QB-needy sides, including, perhaps, Minnesota. He won't cost much via trade.
Taylor Heinicke
After spending much of the prior few seasons starting games for the Commanders, Taylor Heinicke took a step back with the Falcons in 2023. He played in five games last year, totaling five touchdowns and four interceptions. His place on this year's roster appears even more tenuous, with Cousins and top-10 pick Michael Penix Jr. likely to play leading roles in Atlanta's QB room. Perhaps Minnesota can manufacture a move for the former Old Dominion standout in the hopes of salvaging what already appears to be a challenging year.
MORE TRADE OPTIONS: Sam Howell (Seahawks), Trey Lance (Cowboys), Marcus Mariota (Commanders)
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