3 Vikings who could lose starting job to a rookie in 2024

The Minnesota Vikings have a roster in transition where veterans are being replaced by inexpensive, younger players in an effort to prepare for the future and create a roster that allows for financial flexibility.

Having those younger players step up can be a blessing while seeing established veterans move down the depth chart can be frustrating. Establishing a strong, competitive roster is important for the general manager and Vikings coaching staff to prove they have a solid grasp on the team's future.

Smart drafts and landing undrafted free agents with a lot of potential is essential in creating a team that will be ready for the future. This year, there are some players who could be ready to make a big impact as a rookie.

3 Vikings who could lose starting job to a rookie in 2024

Minnesota doesn't have a lot of positions where returning players are in danger of losing their starting gigs. The reason for that is because most of the returning players who could have had their position taken were either released or left in free agency.

Still, there are three players on the roster who could either be playing on borrowed time as a starter or may need to keep looking over their shoulder for rookies breathing down their necks.

Sam Darnold, quarterback

This is the most obvious situation on the list. Sam Darnold had to know he was signed as a placeholder to start until their rookie quarterback is ready to start. Although we don't know when McCarthy will take over the starting job, it is something that is bound to happen this season at some point unless Darnold plays well enough that he can't be sidelined.

Andrew Van Ginkel, edge

This might be the first season that Andew Van Ginkel is a member of the Vikings but he also might be a strong candidate to lose his starting job. Jonathan Greenard and Van Ginkel are slated to be the starting edge rushers, but time will only tell how long they hold those positions if first-round draft pick Dallas Turner can impress as an edge rusher.

Garrett Bradbury, center

It isn't likely that Garrett Bradbury loses his starting job this season unless he isn't effective as the team's starting center. However, Minnesota drafted Michael Jergens in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and would need to be hugely impressive during training camp, the preseason, and practices to have an opportunity to sniff the starting lineup. Although unlikely, it's hard to know how much of an impact Jurgens will have as a rookie.