Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was sidelined due to a proper meniscus tear throughout his rookie season, however he is sure he is able to rock in 2025.
“I do know I am prepared to begin,” McCarthy stated whereas grinning and sporting a backward baseball hat in a Tuesday news conference. “And I recognize that query.”
The 22-year-old then defined why he is brimming with confidence, regardless of his lack of expertise.
“As a result of all of the work I put in and simply the boldness in my expertise and talents,” McCarthy stated. “And simply having the ability to do my job and simplify issues to one of the best of my means each single day. And simply taking it sooner or later at a time, one play at a time. I’ve an amazing teaching workers, an amazing group of fellows round me that I can lean on and so they can lean on me.”
Minnesota has but to call McCarthy as its starter, however he is anticipated to be its QB1 subsequent season. The Vikings let QB Sam Darnold signal with the Seattle Seahawks in free company, regardless that he tossed the league’s fifth-most landing passes (35 in 17 begins) final season.
The Vikings confirmed curiosity in free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers this offseason however did not signal him. In the course of the 2025 NFL Draft, Minnesota acquired backup QB Sam Howell in a commerce with the Seahawks so as to add depth at crucial place.
The Vikings went 14-3 final season however misplaced to the Los Angeles Rams within the NFC wild-card spherical. They hope McCarthy — the tenth general choose of the 2024 draft — catapults them to the highest of the convention.
McCarthy gained a nationwide championship at Michigan throughout the 2023 season however failed to supply eye-popping numbers all through his school profession. In three seasons with the Wolverines, he by no means threw for greater than 2,991 passing yards and 22 landing passes.
Whereas it is too early to find out whether or not McCarthy is the final piece of the Vikings’ Tremendous Bowl puzzle, no less than he appears to have the swagger a franchise cornerstone wants.
