JJ McCarthy in Prime Position to Start for Vikings, Says GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation is one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, especially with Aaron Rodgers still unsigned and speculation swirling around teams like the Steelers and Vikings. If Minnesota were to pursue the veteran quarterback, it would raise major questions about JJ McCarthy’s role—would he be a backup? Would there be an open competition? Could he even request a trade?
As it stands, McCarthy remains the frontrunner to start in Minnesota, and Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hopes that remains the case, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.
“Naming J.J. McCarthy the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback is ‘the outcome we want’ and ‘the outcome we’re headed towards,’” Adofo-Mensah said Wednesday.
This marks the first public statement from the Vikings’ leadership since their aggressive $300 million offseason spending spree, which notably included direct conversations with Rodgers.
McCarthy Has “Exceeded Expectations” at Every Step
While Adofo-Mensah stopped short of definitively naming McCarthy the starter, he praised the young quarterback’s progress and made it clear he expects him to win the job.
“At every checkpoint, whether it be the draft process, practice before the injury, or now in the offseason, he’s met the bar,” Adofo-Mensah said, per Seifert. “He’s exceeded our expectations at every point.”
Though McCarthy is the presumed starter, the Vikings aren’t ruling out adding depth at the position, ensuring they have reliable options in case of injury.
“It’s our job to set up a quarterback room that can provide insurance in case somebody needs to come in for a couple of games,” Adofo-Mensah explained. “We’re looking at all the options to make sure we’re in the best position possible.”
Vikings Moving On from Rodgers, McCarthy Expected to Lead
With the New York Giants signing both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, and the Vikings cooling on Rodgers, it appears Minnesota is fully committed to McCarthy as their future.
Barring any last-minute surprises, McCarthy is expected to take first-team reps once he fully recovers from the knee injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie season.
