Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was expected to take over under center after being selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He flashed promise in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing two touchdowns before suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee that sidelined him for the entire rookie season.
Barring a surprise move to sign four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, McCarthy is set to start Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Despite having no regular-season stats or game film, public confidence in McCarthy grew throughout 2024. His first real test will come when training camp opens on June 10.
Can J.J. McCarthy Stamp His Authority As QB1 at the Vikings Minicamp?
McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions in his final season at Michigan. The Vikings hoped to land their franchise quarterback in the first round, and while McCarthy’s rookie campaign turned into a redshirt year due to injury, it wasn’t a lost season.
Despite missing the year without taking a snap or practicing, head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy had fully absorbed the playbook and shouldn’t be considered a rookie. That confidence seemed validated during OTAs, where McCarthy posted an impressive 89% completion rate. Still, the true test begins when training camp opens.
That, indeed, appeared to be the case during the OTAs with an impressive 89% completion rate, but the real test awaits at the training camp.
JJ McCarthy’s OTA Stats:
– 90/102
– 89% Completion
– 37 TDs (1st all time)
– 1 INTGENERATIONAL ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ZpmUpZkD3x
— Cam (@42Cyc) June 3, 2025
PFSN’s Jacob Infante named McCarthy’s performance, especially his leadership, as the biggest storyline to watch out for in Minnesota’s training camp.
“With Sam Darnold out of the picture, J.J. McCarthy is poised to take over as the Minnesota Vikings’ QB1 after missing his rookie season due to injury,” Infante wrote. “He enters a good situation, with strong weapons, a solid line, and smart coaching. Minicamp will be our first look at whether McCarthy is ready to seize control of the huddle.”
McCarthy will have superstar wideout Justin Jefferson as his go-to target, with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason handling the backfield duties. Up front, veteran linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, along with first-round pick Donovan Jackson, will anchor the offensive line and provide crucial protection.
The Vikings had an impressive regular season behind Sam Darnold, finishing with 14 wins, but were bounced in the Wild Card Round by the Los Angeles Rams. For Minnesota to make a deeper playoff run, McCarthy will need to hit the ground running. The team has unfinished business—and they’re counting on McCarthy to help settle the score.
