The Minnesota Vikings are set to have a new starting quarterback this season. They reportedly showed some interest in Aaron Rodgers, but that seems to be fading. Now, the keys appear to be going to J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and head coach Kevin O’Connell is eager to see him “hit the ground running.”
Minnesota Vikings Coach Shows Confidence in J.J. McCarthy After Injury-Ridden Rookie Year
McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions in his final year at Michigan. The Vikings were hoping to find their franchise quarterback in the first round, but McCarthy’s season ended before it could even begin.
He tore his meniscus in his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 10, paving the way for Sam Darnold to revive his career in Minnesota. But with Darnold gone, McCarthy is poised to take over in 2025, and he recently received a vote of confidence from O’Connell.
“He was in a pro-style offense where they were running the football, they were marrying the run and the pass on early downs,” O’Connell told Kevin Clark on ESPN’s This Is Football. “They needed high-quality execution on some of those weighty downs, and that’s really what we like to be with our offense.”
While McCarthy missed the entire season due to injury—and despite not taking any snaps or practicing last year—O’Connell said the young quarterback still learned the system and shouldn’t be considered a rookie.
“He got to see what meetings were like. What’s it like when I install third-down plays, and we talk about the reads and we talk about the detail of how we’re going to play against this opponent who plays like this this week,” O’Connell said.
“And I think he’s been around all that, so he’s not a rookie. He’s been able to have that pseudo redshirt year, albeit without the reps we would’ve wanted, but I’m really confident and really excited to see him hit the ground running.”
Beyond his strong arm and familiarity with the Vikings’ offensive scheme, O’Connell praised McCarthy’s leadership and enthusiasm.
“He’s a locker room energizer, changer,” O’Connell added. “The guys on the team really — they love his energy. They love his youthful enthusiasm, but yet he’s got kind of an old soul to him. Really, really excited.”
The Vikings are still expected to bring in a veteran quarterback this offseason, but likely for depth rather than competition. McCarthy was viewed as the team’s future before his injury, and O’Connell’s confidence suggests nothing has changed. The fact that Minnesota reportedly rejected trade offers for him only reinforces that belief.