Vikings Insider Speculates on Starting Quarterback and Potential Roster Cuts
Renowned college football analyst Joel Klatt of Fox Sports is among those suggesting that Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell might favor rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy over veteran Sam Darnold for the starting position in September. However, Vikings reporter Alec Lewis of The Athletic presents a different viewpoint, emphasizing the team’s cautious approach to McCarthy’s development. Lewis explains that while McCarthy shows promise with his familiarity with certain offensive concepts and experience under center, the Vikings aim to nurture his growth methodically, akin to a top baseball prospect. The decision to start McCarthy hinges on the team’s collective confidence in his readiness, with factors such as Darnold’s performance and backup Nick Mullens’ role also playing significant roles.
The Vikings’ proactive move to select McCarthy as the fifth quarterback in the recent draft adds fuel to the speculation. While Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated entertains the idea of Darnold making a comeback similar to Baker Mayfield, Klatt argues for McCarthy’s potential success with Minnesota’s offensive weapons. Lewis acknowledges the team’s deliberate strategy in developing McCarthy, which is contingent on various factors, including Darnold’s performance and the team’s overall direction.
In a separate development, there are doubts surrounding the future of safety Lewis Cine within the Vikings’ roster. Cine, the team’s first-round pick in 2022, has faced challenges in fulfilling his potential. Despite high expectations, injuries and stiff competition have hindered his progress. Alec Lewis predicts Cine’s omission from the final roster, citing the strength of the team’s safety group and his limited contributions on the field. With minimal playing time and a significant cap hit, the Vikings may opt to explore trade options for Cine, although the return might be modest.
The emergence of other defensive talents and the team’s depth in the safety position further jeopardize Cine’s prospects. While his fate remains uncertain, it’s likely that Cine could find himself sidelined or potentially traded, as the Vikings prioritize optimizing their roster for the upcoming season.
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