National media outlet makes bold prediction for Minnesota Vikings QB battle

The Minnesota Vikings are entering a new era this offseason after moving on from quarterback Kirk Cousins. 

Cousins, who spent the last six seasons with the Vikings, signed a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. 

Minnesota selected Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The Vikings are hoping that McCarthy can hold the quarterback position down in Minnesota for years to come. 

McCarthy, however, won't just be given the starting job as a rookie. Earlier this offseason, the Vikings signed quarterback Sam Darnold, a former first round pick, to a one-year deal. 

The Vikings also have Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall on the roster. 

CBS Sports predicted this week that Darnold will be the quarterback that emerges from training camp as the Vikings' starter to begin the 2024 season. 

From CBS Sports: The Vikings moved quickly to sign Darnold, the former New York Jets prospect, after seven-year starter Kirk Cousins left in free agency. But McCarthy is the future, bringing heralded poise and play-action prowess as the No. 10 overall pick. Could he be a seamless fit in Kevin O'Connell's loaded offense? Sure. At 21, though, he's got a long runway, whereas Darnold -- who's still got a splashy arm -- has starting experience. Odds are McCarthy will take over at some point in 2024, but Minnesota could opt to give Justin Jefferson and Co. a "safer" start. Projected Week 1 starter: Sam Darnold

This is an intriguing prediction. At this point, it's fair to call Darnold, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, a bust. 

Darnold will be playing for his fourth NFL team this fall. And so far in his career, he hasn't found much success. 

The former USC standout is 21-35 in his career as a starter, he's only passed for over 3,000 yards once in his career, and he's thrown just seven more touchdowns than interceptions since entering the league in 2018 (63 touchdowns, 56 interceptions). 

Darnold isn't going to put the Vikings in a position to win the NFC North. 

At the same time, there should be no rush to get McCarthy, who is only 21 years old, on the field. 

McCarthy is probably as ready as any quarterback in the draft to play in the NFL thanks to the pro-style system he played in at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh. But he's still an extremely young quarterback. He needs some time to develop instead of just getting tossed to the wolves to start his pro career. 

Starting Darnold would signal to the fan base that Minnesota isn't going all-in on winning the NFC North in 2024, but it would probably be the best move for McCarthy and his future as the Vikings' quarterback. 

Patience isn't a word that's used much anymore in pro sports, but that's exactly the approach the Vikings should take with McCarthy to start the 2024 season.