The Minnesota Vikings have been operating this offseason as though they expect JJ McCarthy to be their starting quarterback going forward, but apparently that has not been communicated to the former Michigan star.
The Vikings could have used the franchise tag on Sam Darnold, but they instead watched him sign with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. There were then numerous reports that Aaron Rodgers was hoping to land in Minnesota. The Vikings have given no indication that they plan to sign the former NFL MVP.
All of that has led fans and the media to logically conclude that the Vikings expect McCarthy to be their starter in 2025. During a Tuesday appearance on “Up & Adams,” McCarthy was asked when he was told he will be “the guy” in Minnesota. He said that has not happened.
“They haven’t told me. I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day,” McCarthy said. “I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I’m just gonna make the most of it every single day.”
J.J. McCarthy reveals the Minnesota Vikings haven't told him he's the No. 1 QB, and he's "happy they didn't."@heykayadams | @jjmccarthy09 pic.twitter.com/RCRz412ROM
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 25, 2025
McCarthy was expected to compete with Darnold for a starting job last offseason. He then suffered a torn meniscus and underwent surgery. Darnold put together a great season and led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, yet the team still chose to let him walk. That says a lot about McCarthy.
The Vikings traded up a spot to draft McCarthy 10th overall last year. Their opinion of him clearly has not changed, even if they are not yet ready to name him their starter.
There is one set of circumstances that might inspire Minnesota to give Rodgers a closer look, but the chances of that happening seem slim.
