In 2024, the Vikings spent the tenth overall pick to acquire rookie passer J.J. McCarthy. He was supposed to be Kevin O’Connell’s big project, his first shot at finding a true franchise quarterback. So far, the results have been disappointing.
A year earlier, O’Connell had already drafted his first quarterback since joining the Vikings in 2022. Day 3 pick Jaren Hall was never expected to take over from Kirk Cousins, but at one point, he was actually asked to do just that.
There’s a lot I could say, but mostly I just feel grateful. Sports have been woven into nearly every part of my life — they’ve challenged me, humbled me, shaped my faith, introduced me to lifelong friendships, and given me experiences I never could have imagined.”
With Cousins entering the final year of his contract (and getting up there in age), the Vikings took a shot late in the 2023 draft. Though not the greatest odds, there was still a chance he could be a massive hit and suddenly start for the franchise. They are rare, but Brock Purdys still exist. Even the normal outcome of him becoming a backup for years to come was an intriguing thought.
Hall’s first preseason was a little shaky and it was clear that he wouldn’t immediately unseat QB2 Nick Mullens for the backup job. Patience was required. Things changed a few weeks later when Cousins suffered his torn Achilles tendon. Mullens was on IR with a back injury at the time and Hall was suddenly asked to play meaningful NFL snaps
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