Green Bay Packers v Minnesota Vikings - Source: Getty
Former NFL defensive star JJ Watt backed Sam Darnold to remain the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback. He points to Darnold's remarkable transformation from castoff to MVP candidate. His endorsement arrives as Minnesota weighs their veteran's success against rookie JJ McCarthy's potential.
After struggling with the Jets and Panthers, Sam Darnold signed a modest $10 million contract with Minnesota. He's now piloted the Vikings to nine straight wins and the NFC's best record.
Speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Dec. 30, 2024, Watt assessed Minnesota's quarterback situation. His comments followed Darnold's masterful performance in a crucial 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers:
"43 million is the number anyway," Watt said. "So if you're gonna pay it like I think you have to try and run it back. This is way too damn hard to find a quarterback that fits what you want to do that can be successful in this league. I would much rather have the bird in the hand, versus two in the bush."
