Minnesota Vikings key player J.J. McCarthy has terminated his contract that worth $76.2 million…

While Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is encouraging a quarterback competition at training camp, he named Sam Darnold the starter to open camp, aligning with Vikings’ methodical approach to developing rookie J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy addressed on the final day of spring workouts his status as a backup, calling it a “blessing” despite his desire to compete and rise as the team’s future franchise quarterback.

“Being the competitor that I am, of course,” McCarthy said June 12 when asked about his desire to start as soon as possible. “But this is such a blessing for me. I grew up watching Sam Darnold my entire life, being able to just sit there and watch him, Nick [Mullens], Jaren [Hall] — it’s not what they say to me, it’s what they do and just being a sponge and observing them.

“Hopefully one day surpassing them, but right now, they’re just phenomenal human beings… sharing their wisdom with me,” he said. “I just can’t thank them enough for that and I can’t wait for training camp.”