Vikings’ 2025 QB candidates: Three logical targets for J.J. McCarthy insurance if Sam Darnold exits in….. 

As the Minnesota Vikings begin to chart their course for the 2025 NFL season, quarterback remains one of the most critical positions to assess. Although Kirk Cousins is entrenched as the starting quarterback for the time being, the possibility of a changing of the guard in the near future looms large. With Cousins’ contract situation and age starting to make long-term planning inevitable, the Vikings may consider alternative options. This could be especially true if backup quarterback Sam Darnold exits the team, leaving the Vikings in need of a reliable backup who could eventually take over.

In such a scenario, the Vikings may look for a quarterback with high upside and potential to serve as both insurance for J.J. McCarthy or even take over in the event that McCarthy doesn’t immediately pan out. The ideal candidate should not only be able to step in and contribute immediately but also possess the developmental traits that would make them a viable long-term option.

Here are three logical targets the Vikings could consider for the 2025 quarterback position:

1. J.J. McCarthy – The Michigan Phenomenon

Before diving into potential backup candidates, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significance of J.J. McCarthy, the current Michigan Wolverines quarterback who has shown tremendous upside. McCarthy has displayed top-tier mobility, a strong arm, and the ability to read defenses with accuracy and poise under pressure. He is likely to be in the mix for the Vikings’ future quarterback position, given that Cousins is aging and his contract situation may demand the team to find a successor sooner rather than later.

However, if McCarthy is drafted, it would be important to have a seasoned veteran or capable backup that can step in should McCarthy struggle or face developmental setbacks in his first season. Sam Darnold, while a question mark for the future, could be a good insurance policy. But if Darnold exits the team—perhaps because another opportunity arises elsewhere—the Vikings would need a different type of insurance plan for McCarthy.

2. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA)

One intriguing name that could surface as an option for the Vikings in the 2025 quarterback market is Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) out of UCLA. DTR is a dual-threat quarterback who had a standout career at UCLA and could provide the Vikings with both insurance for McCarthy and the versatility needed to navigate a new offense.

Why Thompson-Robinson Makes Sense:

• Athleticism & Mobility: DTR’s ability to make plays with his legs would add a different dimension to the Vikings’ offense. His mobility would make him a viable option if McCarthy were to take time adjusting or get injured. He could provide the Vikings with a potential short-term spark and a long-term developmental option.
• Developmental Potential: DTR has flashed the potential to be a starter in the NFL. He’s shown growth in his decision-making and has developed into a more accurate passer over his time at UCLA. This maturation process is encouraging for any team that wants to develop him into a long-term answer at the position.
• Mentorship to McCarthy: Having a mobile quarterback like DTR as a backup would give McCarthy a chance to learn from someone who has faced similar challenges in his college career and developed his own skills under the radar. DTR could bring a different approach to the quarterback room, helping McCarthy with his own development while pushing him to grow.

3. Tyler Van Dyke (Miami)

Tyler Van Dyke, a product of the University of Miami, is another possible target for the Vikings to consider. After a standout season in 2021, where he threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, Van Dyke’s stock took a hit in 2022 due to injuries and inconsistent play. However, many scouts and analysts still view him as an intriguing prospect, especially if he can rediscover his 2021 form.

Why Van Dyke Makes Sense:

• Strong Arm and Accuracy: Van Dyke has one of the best arms in the draft class and can make all the throws at the next level. His ability to deliver deep passes and fit the ball into tight windows would be a strong complement to McCarthy’s mobility. If McCarthy needs time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, Van Dyke could step in as a pocket passer with a stronger command of the passing game.
• High Upside: If the Vikings can unlock his potential, Van Dyke could turn into a very effective starter. His talent is undeniable, and many NFL evaluators believe his struggles in 2022 were more due to Miami’s offensive scheme and the surrounding talent rather than any lack of ability. For the Vikings, he could be a project that offers immense upside, particularly with the right coaching and surrounding talent.
• Pro-Style Offense Experience: Van Dyke has experience in a pro-style offense under Miami’s system, which means he could transition more seamlessly to an NFL offense. This could make him a viable backup who can step in for McCarthy, especially if McCarthy’s development takes longer than expected.

4. The Insurance Role for McCarthy

While all of these quarterbacks would provide different skill sets, they all offer essential insurance in the event McCarthy doesn’t pan out or faces injury in his early years. For a team like the Vikings, whose Super Bowl window could still be open with Cousins at the helm for a year or two, having a viable backup plan is critical.

These quarterbacks would give the Vikings flexibility. If McCarthy struggles or needs time, these backups would have the chance to either step in as a placeholder or even compete for the starting job in the future. Unlike traditional veterans who may have limited upside, each of these quarterbacks offers developmental potential with the proper coaching.

Conclusion

The Vikings are at a crossroads in determining the future of the quarterback position. If they draft J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future in 2025, they’ll want to surround him with the right development tools and insurance in case things don’t go as planned. Players like Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Van Dyke offer strong developmental potential and different skill sets to complement McCarthy’s growth.

With the right investment, the Vikings could add an insurance policy in the form of a backup quarterback who not only provides solid depth but also competes for the job in the future. This balance between developmental upside and experience would allow Minnesota to properly navigate the uncertain waters of rebuilding their quarterback position and ultimately return to being a contender in the NFC.