The Minnesota Vikings will look different on the field in 2025. Several contributors from last season are no longer with the team, and quite a few new players have joined the squad for the upcoming slate of games.
Fans expecting to see the same team that only lost three regular-season games in 2024 might be in for a surprise when they see how much work the Vikings put into building up the trenches and preparing for one of the most brutal schedules in the NFL.
Expert predicts Minnesota Vikings will miss Sam Darnold most in 2025
Nick Shook of NFL.com recently shared an article describing player departures that will have the biggest impact on their former teams and the piece included some insight about the Minnesota Vikings.
In the article, Shook discusses the success that Darnold had under head coach Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota and shared his thoughts on how much pressure 2024 first-round pick Sam Darnold will be under as the team's new starting quarterback.
"Minnesota was content to hand the keys to the offense to 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who has seen NFL snaps in only one preseason game. It’s a huge risk to take, but if they’re going to capitalize on a first-round investment, the Vikings have to throw McCarthy into the fire before long."Nick Shook - NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how J.J. McCarthy fares as the new starting quarterback. However, the purple and gold have done everything they can to help the young passer succeed.
A more stable offensive line, a great group of weapons, and a strong coaching staff should help McCarthy adjust to the job. There will be mistakes, and it will take time for him to find his footing, but there aren't many reasons to think he isn't up for the job.
On the other hand, the Vikings will miss starting safety Camryn Bynum. Minnesota extended Theo Jackson and still has Josh Metellus on their roster, but neither seems like a natural fit to slide into the starting spot next to veteran Harrison Smith.
Bynum signed with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason and was one of the heartbeats of the team. His energy and positivity would shine through during broadcasts, and his impact would be felt on the field.
Quarterback might be the most important job on a football team, but J.J. McCarthy should do fine taking over for Sam Darnold. Finding someone to replace what Camryn Bynum brought to the Minnesota Vikings might be more difficult.