Stephen A. Smith accused Vikings of fumbling Sam Darnold, but he told them to pick JJ McCarthy

Stephen A. Smith attacks Vikings over Sam Darnold move

Stephen A. Smith targeted the Vikings on ESPN’s First Take after Sam Darnold won the Super Bowl, arguing the team made a disastrous decision at quarterback.

He placed blame squarely on the organization and said, “The real answer to this question is the Minnesota Vikings,” before outlining the talent he believes was wasted.

Smith accused the team of overreacting to late-season struggles, saying, “So two bad games… and you threw them to the Wolves,” while insisting the move derailed their season.

He also questioned leadership, stating, “That’s why Kevin O’Connell no longer should be called the quarterback whisperer,” and adding the coach was “lucky to have his damn job with that kind of decision.”

Smith’s past comments resurface after Darnold success

The criticism has revived Smith’s own comments from the previous offseason, when he argued against committing financially to Darnold.

At the time, Smith said, “I’m saying you don’t give him $40M. You don’t give him $40M. You go with JJ McCarthy, because how much of a difference will it be?”

That stance now contrasts with Smith’s recent claims that the Vikings threw away a season and “jeopardized the career of Justin Jefferson.”

The shift has intensified debate over hindsight and accountability as Darnold’s success continues to reshape perceptions of Minnesota’s quarterback decision.