Major Reason Why Vikings Didn’t Bring Back Sam Darnold Revealed in New Report
When the Minnesota Vikings return to action in Week 9, they will be making another change at quarterback. With Carson Wentz set to undergo season-ending surgery on a shoulder injury, J.J. McCarthy will be thrust back into action after recovering from an ankle injury he suffered earlier in the year.
In just one year, the Vikings’ quarterback situation has undergone several notable changes, and the level of play they have received this season has come nowhere close to what they received from Sam Darnold last year. However, the team let Darnold walk in free agency last offseason, and according to a recent report, there was one big reason why the team didn’t want to bring him back to town.
Sam Darnold’s Poor Relationship with J.J. McCarthy Led to Vikings Split
Entering the 2024 campaign, the Vikings held a quarterback competition between Darnold, who they signed in free agency, and McCarthy, who they selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy suffered a season-ending meniscus injury in August, but reports indicated that Darnold was going to win the starting job anyway.
Darnold ended up turning in the best season of his career, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, which helped him earn the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. However, he faltered in the team’s final two games, and it seemed like the coaching staff was content with turning things over to McCarthy in 2025.
With McCarthy struggling in his only two games, and Darnold looking like a stud for the Seattle Seahawks, the decision to let him walk in free agency has looked like a bad move for the Vikings. While it makes sense that the team wanted to see what it had in McCarthy, a recent report indicated that Darnold’s relationship, or lack thereof, with the former Michigan Wolverines star played a role in their decision to move on from him.
“(Darnold) and McCarthy did not forge an especially close relationship during their time together, and it would have been hard to envision the untested youngster winning a fair competition,” Michael Silver wrote for The Athletic. “The vibe didn’t seem right for such an arrangement.”
Should the Vikings Have Re-Signed Sam Darnold?
It’s still early in McCarthy’s career, but it’s tough to look at the Vikings’ decision to move on from Darnold and say they made the right decision. McCarthy essentially has one good quarter of football to his name this season, while Darnold has the Seahawks looking like one of the top teams in the league through eight weeks of action.
Minnesota invested a lot in McCarthy, and it is about to find out what it has in him, whether it wants to or not. With Wentz’s season over, that leaves McCarthy and Max Brosmer as the only two quarterbacks on the active roster, with John Wolford getting signed to the practice squad earlier this week. McCarthy will look to show the Vikings he’s their quarterback of the future in Week 9, but he will have a tough task going up against a high-powered Detroit Lions squad.
Jalen Ramsey on Transitioning to Safety: ‘I’m Ready to Step Up and Make an Impact for the Steelers!’
In a bold move aimed at solidifying the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, Jalen Ramsey has embraced a new role—moving from cornerback to free safety. Despite being one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, Ramsey’s willingness to adapt to a new position speaks volumes about his leadership and commitment to the team’s success. The Steelers, plagued by injuries in their secondary, needed a player like Ramsey to step up, and that’s exactly what he plans to do.
“Moving to safety isn’t a setback—it’s a new challenge, and I’m all in,” Ramsey said during a recent press conference. “The Steelers need me to step up, and that’s exactly what I’ll do. No matter where I am on the field, I’m going to make an impact and do what it takes to win.”
The transition from cornerback to safety is not a small one. While both positions require a keen understanding of the game, a safety’s role involves a different set of responsibilities, particularly in terms of coverage and communication. As a cornerback, Ramsey was tasked with locking down the opponent’s best receiver, but as a safety, his focus will shift toward coordinating the defense, reading the quarterback, and providing support in both the pass and run game.
While it’s a change in position, Ramsey’s confidence in his ability to adapt has never wavered. Known for his elite playmaking skills and his ability to shut down even the toughest receivers, Ramsey has the physical tools and football IQ to excel in any position. His leadership and experience in high-pressure situations will only benefit the Steelers as they navigate a tough season and look to make a deep playoff push.
Ramsey’s transition also speaks to the Steelers’ commitment to winning. In a season filled with challenges, including injuries to key defensive players, the team needs its stars to step up in new ways. Ramsey’s willingness to shift gears shows his dedication not just to his personal growth, but to the growth and success of the entire defense.
“I’m not worried about what position I play,” Ramsey continued. “At the end of the day, it’s all about making plays and helping this team win. The role may change, but the goal is the same: to be dominant and to lead this defense to where it needs to be.”
With Ramsey’s leadership, the Steelers are poised to get stronger in the backfield. His ability to read the game and lead his teammates will be a crucial factor in improving their secondary, especially against high-powered offenses in the AFC. The team has already shown promise this season, and with Ramsey’s shift to safety, they have a chance to become even more formidable.
The Steelers’ defense has always prided itself on being tough, physical, and unyielding. With Ramsey’s new role, they are adding an extra layer of versatility and leadership to their already potent defensive unit. Whether it’s stopping the run, intercepting passes, or reading plays in the secondary, Ramsey’s presence at safety will make a significant impact.
“We’re not backing down. We’re not making excuses,” Ramsey said. “We’ve got a job to do, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m here to lead, and I’m here to make a difference.”
As the season progresses, fans can expect Ramsey to continue bringing his A-game. His transition to safety is just the beginning of what promises to be a defining season for both him and the Steelers. With Ramsey anchoring the secondary, Pittsburgh’s defense is poised to become one of the most feared units in the league.
