The Minnesota Vikings used their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall. A meniscus tear during preseason sidelined the young passer for his entire rookie season but fans hope he can return and be ready for action in 2025.
The starter at quarterback last season will likely sign a multi-year deal elsewhere in free agency. Sam Darnold proved many of his doubters wrong with his play in 2024 and looked like the player the league thought it was getting when he was selected No. 3 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Vikings need to decide what direction to go at quarterback for the 2025 NFL season. They could get another bridge passer to give J.J. McCarthy more time to prepare for a starting role or get their young quarterback into the lineup in Week 1.
Latest J.J. McCarthy injury update will help quiet the minds of Minnesota Vikings fans
Those concerned about J.J. McCarthy’s knee share wild ideas about what to do this offseason. Speculation is running wild about the purple and gold making a big trade or keeping an eye on free agency.
Star Tribune Minnesota Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling was among those paying attention to the interviews at the 2025 NFL Combine. At that event, Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell shared some news about his young quarterback’s status.
Kevin O’Connell said J.J. McCarthy has his sights set on being ready for the start of the #Vikings’ offseason program in April. McCarthy’s rehab continues to go well, he said.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) February 25, 2025
J.J. McCarthy sounds ready action. Kevin O’Connell’s words don’t ink the young quarterback into a starting role in 2025 but they do help to ease the concerns of fans and experts who were unsure if he would be available for training camp.
If the Vikings can plan on McCarthy being behind center, they could potentially save a bunch of salary cap space and any potential draft picks. Those resources could be allocated to build a stronger roster around their young quarterback.
Expectations could be high for the Minnesota Vikings after a 14-win season that saw them earn a playoff spot. Last season, they surprised many fans and experts by exceeding expectations during the regular season. Duplicating those results with a new quarterback could be a challenge for the team in 2025.
At 22 years old, J.J. McCarthy has a bright future ahead of him. His success at the college level is no guarantee he will be a solid quarterback at the professional level but we’ll never know until he gets the opportunity to show what he’s got in the NFL.
