Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum isn't afraid to call his shot regarding the 2024 NFL season even though Minnesota lost quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons early in free agency.
"I expect a Super Bowl," Bynum directly said about the Vikings' ceiling during a Thursday appearance on NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, as shared by Kevin Patra of the league's website. "...You look at the guys on the team, you look at the locker room, all the experience we have. Look how much depth we have, especially on the defense. So many guys. It's almost weird looking around. You're like, 'OK, how are we all going to get on the field?' There's just so many ballers."
The 2023 Vikings started the season at 1-4 but improved to 6-4 even though the previously mentioned Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 8. However, Minnesota ultimately was unable to overcome the loss of Cousins, and the club finished the campaign at 7-10.
Following Cousins' departure, the Vikings signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold and then spent the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on Michigan Wolverines signal-caller J.J. McCarthy.
Darnold began the summer as the favorite of the two to start Minnesota's regular-season opener at the New York Giants on Sept. 8. Some think there's little chance that McCarthy can leapfrog Darnold on the club's depth chart between now and the end of August.
"Having the two new quarterbacks, it's fun being able to play against them and see what they bring to the table," Bynum said about Darnold and McCarthy. "They're both looking really good. It's exciting to see them compete. They're both looking good, so I can't put one over the other. I just say they both look ready. Whatever coaches decide, I trust them and their decision."
As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Vikings as a +3500 betting underdog to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX.
While Bynum believes Minnesota has "a baller at every position" on offense, it's clear that outsiders doubt either Darnold or McCarthy will do enough to make the Vikings a positive surprise story this coming fall.
