Quarterback careers in the NFL rarely follow a straight path.
And according to one analyst, the next Sam Darnold–style comeback story could already be in the league.

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NFL Analyst Predicts Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Could Become the Next Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold’s career resurgence has become one of the NFL’s most talked-about redemption stories.

After early struggles with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold eventually found success in a better situation, proving that a quarterback’s early career doesn’t always define their future.

Now, NFL analyst Jay Busbee believes another young quarterback could eventually follow a similar path: Minnesota Vikings passer J.J. McCarthy.

A Bold Prediction for the Future

Speaking during a discussion on Yahoo! Sports, Busbee made a surprising prediction about McCarthy’s long-term trajectory.

“I’m going off script here,” Busbee said. “I’m taking J.J. McCarthy in 2028. He’s going to be a reclamation project. He’s going to win somebody a Super Bowl.”

While the comment had a lighthearted tone, Busbee’s broader point was clear.

He believes McCarthy could struggle early in his NFL career before eventually thriving in a different environment — similar to how Darnold revived his career after changing teams and systems.

The ‘Reclamation Quarterback’ Trend

The NFL has seen several examples of quarterbacks who were initially labeled disappointments but later found success elsewhere.

In many cases, the difference wasn’t talent — it was situation.

Factors such as coaching instability, weak supporting casts, or poor organizational structure can derail a young quarterback’s development.

When those players land in the right system with better coaching and support, their careers can take off.

That’s the path Busbee believes McCarthy might eventually follow.

Another Candidate: Mac Jones

While McCarthy represents a potential long-term reclamation story, Busbee also identified a more immediate candidate for a career revival: Mac Jones.

Jones, once a highly touted first-round pick with the New England Patriots, struggled during his later seasons in New England before moving on to other teams.

Busbee believes the quarterback still has the talent that made him a standout prospect coming out of Alabama.

“This is a guy who had a lot of college pedigree,” Busbee said. “He had a lot of skills. He was not in the right situation early in his career.”

A New Opportunity for Jones

Busbee pointed to Jones’ recent time with the San Francisco 49ers as a potential turning point.

Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, Jones has reportedly regained confidence and shown improved performance when given opportunities.

If Jones were to leave San Francisco, Busbee believes several teams around the league could benefit from bringing him in.

“There are a lot of teams that could really use a Mac Jones,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

Quarterback development in the NFL is rarely predictable.

Players who enter the league with massive expectations sometimes struggle early, only to succeed later in their careers once they find the right system and coaching staff.

Sam Darnold’s journey is proof of that.

And if Jay Busbee’s prediction proves accurate, J.J. McCarthy or Mac Jones could eventually become the next quarterback to rewrite his career narrative.