Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Sam Hartman

Monday, February 10, 12:10 PM

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee), who missed all of his rookie year in the NFL after having knee surgery for a torn right meniscus, is expected to be ready for organized team activities this spring. He should be able to return to football activities in the next couple of weeks. However, the Vikings are still considering all of their options with impending free-agent QB Sam Darnold, who had a career year in Minnesota on a one-year deal in 2024. If Minnesota doesn't re-sign Darnold by March 4, they could place a franchise tag on him, which could allow McCarthy to develop for one more year behind Darnold. The Vikings also still have former Giants QB Daniel Jones, so if Darnold leaves in free agency, Jones would be an insurance policy in case the team doesn't feel McCarthy is ready to start early in the 2025 season.

Tuesday, January 28, 7:19 PM

The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that they signed quarterback Sam Hartman, running back Kazmeir Allen, defensive tackle Viliami Fehoko Jr., guard Julian Good-Jones, tight ends Tyree Jackson and Cole Turner, defensive end Andre Jones Jr., wide receiver Chris Moore and safety Ben Nikkel to Reserve/Futures deals. Hartman went undrafted in 2024 but eventually latched on with the Commanders for training camp. The 25-year-old signal-caller didn't make the 53-man active roster for the start of the regular season but did spend time on the active roster later in the season when backup Marcus Mariota landed on Injured Reserve. However, Hartman never saw action in a regular season game and is still looking to make his NFL debut. With Mariota set to become a free agent in March, the Commanders have opted to bring Hartman back as QB insurance this offseason.