“Vikings’ Future in Question as Experts Sound Off on J.J. McCarthy’s Readiness”

Vikings’ Quarterback Uncertainty: Will J.J. McCarthy Lead the Charge in 2025?

The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the offseason with plenty of questions surrounding their quarterback situation. While J.J. McCarthy is healthy and poised to compete for the starting job in 2025, the path from now to September is far from guaranteed.

The Vikings have yet to decide the fates of key players like Sam Darnold, who just completed a career-best season and is set to become the top free agent QB on the market if Minnesota doesn’t extend him before mid-March. Then there’s Daniel Jones, who hasn’t played a single snap for the Vikings but could still factor into the team’s plans.

Minnesota reportedly considered trading McCarthy for a significant draft haul if Darnold had led them deeper into the playoffs. However, with the Vikings not playing in the NFC Championship, it seems increasingly likely that McCarthy will return for his age-22 season. He may face competition from a veteran quarterback brought in as either a backup or challenger for the starting role.

But not everyone is confident in this scenario. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler quoted an NFL personnel evaluator on January 21, saying, “It’s likely back to the starting line with a quarterback who has played zero NFL snaps and [is] coming off a big knee injury. I like [McCarthy], but I have no idea what they are getting at this point.”


Roster Uncertainty Adds to Vikings’ Offseason Challenges

The uncertainty around McCarthy is just one piece of the puzzle for the Vikings. Fowler predicts Minnesota could regress in 2025, pointing to looming roster turnover and unresolved contract situations with key players.

“Five top free agents — [Sam Darnold], left tackle Cam Robinson, safety Camryn Bynum, running back Aaron Jones, and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. — are threats to leave unless the Vikings stop them,” Fowler wrote.

However, Minnesota does have some advantages heading into the offseason. The team boasts $64.1 million in projected salary cap space for 2025, the eighth-most in the league, giving them flexibility to make moves.

The Vikings also have in-house replacements ready to step up. Christian Darrisaw, who has been Minnesota’s starting left tackle for several seasons, is set to reclaim the role after missing most of 2024 due to injury. Meanwhile, McCarthy is expected to take over at quarterback if Darnold departs.

The secondary, however, remains a significant concern. Six of the Vikings’ top seven defensive backs, including Bynum and Murphy, are pending free agents. The team will need to address this position in free agency or the draft.


Draft Plans to Address Key Needs

With the No. 24 pick in the NFL Draft, Minnesota has the chance to address some of their roster gaps. Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently mocked Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson to the Vikings, highlighting his fit for Minnesota’s outside-zone scheme.

“[Ashton] Jeanty deservedly will command all of the Round 1 running back talk, but Johnson is worthy of landing in the top 32, as well,” Brugler wrote. “The Iowa back would be a great fit for Minnesota’s scheme, and his impact would help open the passing game.”


Looking Ahead

Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ front office have significant decisions to make in the coming months. While McCarthy has the potential to become the franchise quarterback, questions about his health and readiness remain. Paired with uncertainty across key positions, the Vikings face a pivotal offseason that will shape their future in the NFC.

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