Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy said he hasn’t been given any assurances about being the team’s starter in 2025, despite reports suggesting otherwise. McCarthy commented during an appearance on “Up & Adams,” saying he’s still in the dark about his role moving forward.
J.J. McCarthy Has Had No Guarantees Over Starting Role in 2025
McCarthy sat with host Kay Adams at the El Camaleón Golf Course in Mayakoba, Mexico. When asked when he found out he’d be the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025, the former Michigan standout said he hadn’t been told anything. But instead of being concerned, McCarthy welcomed the uncertainty.
“They haven’t told me, and I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day. I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance; 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
You’d expect that response from a young player eager to prove himself. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury after being taken 11th overall by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. It was a tough break for the former Wolverines star, who had high expectations from college.
Instead of stepping onto the field, he spent the year recovering and learning the offense from the sidelines. That time might be a blessing in disguise, giving him a better grasp of the NFL game without being thrown in too early.
McCarthy Poised to Take Over After Darnold’s Exit, Aaron Rodgers Rumors Fade
While much of the offseason buzz centered on Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers, McCarthy faced his share of uncertainty. After tearing his meniscus in his first preseason game, McCarthy watched as Sam Darnold stepped up. Darnold’s bounce-back year and playoff run only fueled more talk about the Vikings’ quarterback situation.
Darnold eventually left in free agency and signed with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving McCarthy as the most logical starting option. Even then, rumors kept swirling. Minnesota was linked to Rodgers as he weighed his options, and the team was said to be interested in adding a veteran presence.
As the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers await Rodgers’ decision, some believed the Vikings might make a move for the four-time MVP. That talk died down once it was reported that Minnesota wasn’t pursuing him.
The #Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say.
The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as… pic.twitter.com/oPf6DIvQpj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025
The Vikings are still expected to bring in a veteran quarterback this offseason, but it sounds like it would be more for depth than a starting competition. McCarthy was viewed as the team’s future before his injury, and not much has changed. The fact that Minnesota reportedly rejected trade offers for him only backs that up.
If McCarthy does take over in 2025, he’ll have had a whole year to learn, rehab, and get ready for his moment. And based on what he told Adams, he’s more than ready to fight for it.