Vikings Face Critical Decision at Quarterback: Is J.J. McCarthy Ready to Take Over?
The Minnesota Vikings have a pivotal choice ahead at quarterback this offseason. If Sam Darnold exits in free agency — whether due to a lack of a competitive offer from Minnesota or pursuing a bigger payday elsewhere — all eyes will turn to 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy, who may be in line to claim the starting role this fall.
McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024, missed his entire rookie season after suffering a meniscus tear in the preseason opener last August. Despite the setback, the team is optimistic about his recovery and potential.
“I’m very excited about where J.J.’s at,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Thursday. “He’s returned to on-field training. He’s right where we hoped he would be at this point.”
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah echoed O’Connell’s enthusiasm, sharing a lighthearted moment he had with McCarthy before the press conference. “I ran into J.J. in the weight room doing those cool quarterback thrusty things that Dak [Prescott] does,” Adofo-Mensah joked. “He’s back throwing in on-field workouts and looks great. You talk about a kid who’s just obsessed with football. We’re excited about what we have in him.”
A Promising Prospect
The Vikings traded up to select McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, captivated by his talent and leadership. During rookie minicamp, training camp, and an impressive preseason debut, McCarthy validated the team’s belief in him. Before his injury, he was seriously competing for the starting job against Darnold, who was the early favorite.
“This guy is so motivated and so dialed in,” O’Connell said in August after McCarthy’s season-ending injury. “As excited as I was to draft him, he’s confirmed everything I hoped to see. Our fan base should be thrilled that we have our young franchise quarterback in the building.”
The Sam Darnold Factor
Darnold’s performance in 2024 threw a wrench in the Vikings’ long-term plan. Initially expected to bridge the gap until McCarthy was ready, Darnold exceeded expectations, leading the team to a 14-3 record, finishing in the top five in passing yards and touchdowns, and earning a Pro Bowl nod. However, his struggles in two critical playoff losses raised doubts about whether he’s the long-term solution.
“It’s been a back-and-forth evaluation,” O’Connell admitted. “Darnold had an incredible year, but those final two games left us rethinking our trajectory.”
McCarthy’s “Redshirt” Year
Despite missing the season, McCarthy maximized his time off the field. He was fully engaged in meetings, film sessions, and game preparation, gaining valuable experience.
“I think he maximized what this year was for him,” O’Connell explained. “He got a front-row seat to everything Sam went through — the adjustments, the why behind our decisions. It was a mental redshirt year, and now he’s set for a positive offseason to prove what he can do.”
Adofo-Mensah agreed, emphasizing McCarthy’s work ethic and potential. “J.J. had an exponential growth year,” he said. “We’re confident in his talent and preparation. If he’s our guy, we’ll move forward confidently.”
What’s Next for the Vikings?
If Darnold departs, McCarthy could take the reins as the Vikings’ starting quarterback in Week 1. However, the team isn’t ruling out other options in free agency or the draft. For now, McCarthy’s development remains a bright spot for Minnesota.
“This position is about talent and preparation,” Adofo-Mensah said. “And J.J. has those in spades.”
