Minnesota Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarty went on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” Tuesday. He offered an update on his status with the team for the 2025-26 season. When asked about whether or not he has been told he will be the team’s starting quarterback he said, “I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day. I never want that to be given to me.”
McCarthy was drafted No. 10 by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. After being drafted highly, he was expected to be the team’s starting quarterback last year. That belief was reinforced by a strong showing in the NFL Preseason. He then suffered a season-ending meniscus injury. McCarthy had a season to sit on the bench and learn the ways of the NFL.
Sam Darnold took over for McCarthy last season and had a career year. Darnold and Quarterback Daniel Jones signed with the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts respectively this offseason. The Minnesota Vikings have also been linked to Quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. All of this uncertainly has left McCarthy in the lurch, and he confirmed it on Tuesday. Who will be Minnesota’s starting quarterback in 2025?
Minnesota Vikings Offseason Outlook
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McCarthy, if he ends up being the team’s starting quarterback, will have great weapons at his disposal. Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson is the best in the league. Tight End T.J. Hockenson is another solid weapon. The Minnesota Vikings also re-signed Running Back Aaron Jones earlier this offseason.
With the Vikings reportedly being out of the Rodgers sweepstakes, the job is McCarthy’s. Even though the young quarterback is saying all the right things about wanting to earn the job, it makes no sense for the Minnesota Vikings to keep him waiting. It is rare for a top-10 pick to not play in either of his first two seasons. The team also has no other quarterbacks on the roster. While bringing in a veteran quarterback to mentor McCarthy would be great, he should be named their starting quarterback sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota is going all-in on McCarthy with their moves this offseason. They let Darnold and Daniel Jones walk out the door to sign contracts that were team-friendly. They also shut the door on Rodgers after he reportedly showed interest in playing for the team. To make these maneuvers, and then make McCarthy fight for the job in training camp would be a bad move. The Minnesota Vikings must show confidence in its young quarterback by naming him the starter in the coming days.
