The Minnesota Vikings are one of several teams that are having a quarterback competition. For the Vikings, the main two guys fighting for the starting job are veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy.

Now, it appears that Minnesota has a leader in the clubhouse for the starting quarterback position. So, which quarterback currently has the advantage? Read below to find out.

Sam Darnold Listed as #1 Quarterback

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Sam Darnold has been listed as the Vikings’ starting quarterback on their first depth chart. As a result, it appears the veteran quarterback currently has the edge over the rookie quarterback in the Vikings’ quarterback competition.

If Darnold does win the starting job, it could be his last chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He is entering his seventh season in the league. Darnold was originally drafted by the New York Jets. After spending his first three seasons with the Jets, Darnold has bounced around the league, now playing for his third different team in four seasons.

So, what has Darnold done over the course of his career? He has just over 12,000 passing yards and 63 touchdown passes in six seasons. However, Darnold started just one game last season on the San Francisco 49ers.

J.J. McCarthy Legitimate Competition?

J.J. McCarthy is one of six quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he is not as certain as others drafted ahead of him to start immediately in the regular season.

McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in this past draft. Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were the top two picks respectively. Both of them are expected to start immediately for the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.

It is difficult to know how McCarthy is doing against professionals on defense. However, one thing we do know is McCarthy is not afraid of big moments. That is because he led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship victory while the team was the center of a major sign-stealing investigation throughout the season.