When a Hall of Famer speaks, most would listen closely, especially when that Hall of Famer is Kurt Warner. The Vikings are currently at a crossroads. Questions are swirling about Sam Darnold‘s future after the disappointment in the playoffs. Warner shared his thoughts on the matter on Tuesday. And his comments hit right at the heart of the quarterback controversy that’s brewing in Minneapolis.

Warner was pretty candid while discussing Darnold’s struggles with pressure, especially in critical moments. “There was too many times this year of him just holding and taking negative plays,” Warner said on The Dan Patrick Show. “And those negative plays are just hard to overcome. So that to me was probably the biggest issue that I saw.” His comments highlight a larger issue. Can the Vikings trust Darnold to lead them in high-pressure situations moving forward?

Warner also emphasized the challenge of evaluating Darnold against the backdrop of the team’s performance. “Minnesota got physically dominated in both games,” Warner noted. He also referred to their losses against the Lions and Rams. Meanwhile, the veteran quarterback’s inconsistency has led to growing calls for rookie JJ McCarthy to step up next season. But McCarthy is an unknown quantity.

This season showcased Darnold’s highs and lows. He led the Vikings to a 14-win season but faltered in the most crucial games. He was sacked nine times in the Wild Card loss to the Rams. And it further exposed his struggles under pressure. “Every quarterback faces pressure. The difference is you welcomed pressure. He seemed to be unnerved or very nerved by it,” Dan told Warner, underscoring Darnold’s failure to perform when the going got tough. However, there’s another thing.

Sam Darnold’s market value may work in Minnesota’s favor if they decide to keep him on a short-term deal. Warner’s ultimate take was clear: “If the price is right… I would keep him.” This sets up an interesting decision for the Vikings’ front office.

JJ McCarthy’s future in Minnesota: Should he be traded?

The Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy 10th overall in 2024. And it signaled a long-term investment. But a meniscus injury marred the rookie’s first season. And it left him sidelined for the year. McCarthy’s name is now increasingly tied to trade rumors. The Steelers are facing a similar QB conundrum. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will become free agents this off season. Hell, even Kyle Allen would be a free agent. The Wrightway Sports Network has now mentioned them as potential suitors for McCarthy. Meanwhile, Warner questioned whether McCarthy was ready to take over in Minnesota.

“If you feel like you have enough, then absolutely not; you go with JJ and move forward,” he suggested. However, Warner admitted he hadn’t seen enough of McCarthy to gauge his readiness. “I don’t know if the Vikings were ready to start him after that one preseason game or if they hadn’t seen enough, and Sam was the guy,” he said as he voiced the uncertainty shared by fans and analysts alike. And this uncertainty adds another layer to the Vikings’ offseason dilemma. While potential trading options, loom for McCarthy.

McCarthy excelled in college. But he remains unproven in the NFL. The Vikings must weigh his potential against Darnold’s experience. Warner’s insight underscores the stakes: “They need a guy at that position to make them competitive Sam made them more than competitive all year long.”

The Vikings’ star receiver Justin Jefferson offered a diplomatic take on the team’s QB conundrum. “It’s not my job to say who’s going to be the quarterback,” Jefferson said. His focus remains on team success, regardless of who throws the ball.

The Vikings face a pivotal offseason. Warner didn’t draw conclusions. But one thing is pretty clear. Sam Darnold can stay if the front office is not sure about McCarthy. Minnesota has options. How they handle these critical decisions will be key to the success of the Vikings in the years ahead.