J.J. McCarthy is set to take the helm as the Minnesota Vikings’ QB1 for the 2025 NFL season.

This development comes amid the team’s lack of interest in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who reportedly had his sights set on joining the franchise. NFL insider Ian Rapoport, speaking on Pat McAfee’s show, indicated that while the Vikings may have entertained some discussions with former Titans QB Ryan Tannehill, these were more exploratory than anything else.

“It is J.J. McCarthy’s team going forward,” Rapoport explained.

“He’s going to be the guy in OTAs, getting the reps, and last year’s training camp showed they were impressed with his performance.” Despite a knee injury that halted his first season, McCarthy has since undergone a full meniscus repair, which typically leads to a complete recovery with no lingering issues.

The Vikings, who selected McCarthy as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, are clearly committed to his development as their franchise quarterback. His potential was compelling enough for Minnesota to bypass the opportunity to bring in Aaron Rodgers, a decision that underscores their confidence in McCarthy’s future with the team.

Jordan Schultz, while discussing the topic on ‘GoJo and Golic’, noted, “Rodgers was visibly interested in Minnesota. However, it’s clear that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and the organization have been keen on giving J.J.

McCarthy his shot. They reportedly saw him as a potential starter from the get-go, despite knee surgeries sidelining him.

When McCarthy is healthy, he presents as an exciting talent at just 22 years old.”

The decision to focus on McCarthy reflects the organization’s long-term strategy. While Sam Darnold had an impressive season in McCarthy’s absence, the Vikings seem poised to invest in their young quarterback’s growth, highlighting their belief in his capabilities as their future leader on the field.