Vikings Sign a New Quarterback
The Minnesota Vikings received horrible news earlier in the week when J.J. McCarthy’s reported knee soreness turned out to be a torn meniscus, requiring season-ending surgery. The brief speculation of a late-season return is over as the Vikings announced his placement on season-ending IR, making a comeback impossible.
Vikings Sign a New Quarterback
That move officially closed the door for a McCarthy return but opened a roster spot. The vacant quarterback spot has been filled with the signing of former Panthers third-rounder Matt Corral.
Corral’s two-year NFL journey has been quite eventful. In the pre-draft process, he was a tough evaluation, coming out of Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin’s quarterback-friendly system. His film showed a ton of one-read plays and RPOs. The passer also fractured his leg in his last college game, the Sugar Bowl.
He produced over 8,000 passing yards, 57 passing scores, and 23 interceptions in four college seasons. His rushing stats of 1,338 yards and 18 touchdowns show his athleticism and mobility.
A major problem for him in the draft was his off-field issues. Ian Rapoport reported right after the draft: “He dealt with a multitude of issues, including alcohol and related issues. He admitted publicly to battling depression. He has had ‘unreliable behavior’ off the field and he really, really struggled in some interviews with teams. That said, the talent is enough to make the Carolina Panthers take its shot with Corral.”
On the field, meanwhile, he was intriguing for various reasons like mobility and accuracy.
Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms ranked him at the top of the 2022 draft class, tweeting after Carolina’s pick: “Matt Corral, my #1 QB in this draft. Insane athlete, quick feet and the quickest release I’ve seen from a prospect in years. And awesome arm strength with great accuracy. Needs to put it all together but it’s all there. He was Round 1 worthy for me. Steal for the Panthers.”
His NFL career started with an unfortunate injury in the preseason when he suffered a lisfranc injury. He was placed on IR, missing his entire rookie season. One year later, he was waived one day after making the initial 53-man roster.
The Patriots claimed him off waivers, but he was placed on the exempt/left squad list a few days later. He then was supposed to join New England’s practice squad, but that deal fell through for unknown reasons.
His next stint led him to the UFL after signing with the Birmingham Stallions. He threw for 494 yards and two touchdowns in three starts in the spring league, adding two scores and 120 yards in the postseason. The Stallions won the UFL championship.
The Vikings now have four quarterbacks. Sam Darnold will enter the season as the starter, with Nick Mullens as the primary backup. Jaren Hall suddenly has a chance to stick around after McCarthy’s injury.
Corral is likely a camp body who’s taking some snaps in practice and the preseason, but he might be able to push Hall. The Vikings are getting a talented quarterback two years after he drew some serious buzz in the draft. Controlling the off-field issues and mental health problems is key to unlocking his on-field potential.
The quarterback is still only 25 years old and has a connection to quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, who has also spent time in Carolina.
Editor’s Note: Information from Sports Reference CFB and the UFL helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt