The Minnesota Vikings parted ways with quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason. Darnold played his role well in 2024, earning a healthy payday with the Seattle Seahawks to become their new starter at the position.
Now, it seems like the Vikings are ready to move forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback for 2025. Although it hasn't been officially announced, it would be surprising to see any other QB behind center when the season kicks off.
J.J. McCarthy essentially named Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback
Although it isn't official, a recent interview with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell dropped some major hints that McCarthy will be the guy in 2025. That conversation happened on The Rich Eisen Show, and the coach made a statement that all but locks McCarthy into the starting role.
Eisen asked how J.J. McCarthy is looking and O'Connell's response was telling.
"He's taking plenty of snaps from Ryan Kelly, who happens to be a 10-year starting offensive center in this league. Take that for what it's worth. I don't think Vikings fans or any wildly successful nationally renowned broadcasters like yourself should be worried about the amount of reps J.J. is going to get with the ones. We're gonna have him ready to go."Kevin O'Connell via Rich Eisen
The knee injury that sidelined J.J. McCarthy in 2024 has been a hot topic among Vikings fans. The media has linked several veteran quarterbacks to Minnesota, citing that the former University of Michigan quarterback might not be ready for action by the time the season rolls around.
Kevin O'Connell doesn't seem concerned about that at all. His tone and body language while talking about McCarthy with Rich Eisen are relaxed and confident. It's a bit surprising that he was willing to go that deep about the quarterback situation at this point of the offseason, but that helps to show how much the Vikings staff believes in their young passer.
While Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer are all interesting quarterbacks, it would be surprising to see any of them leapfrog J.J. McCarthy for the starting job this season.
One thing for certain is that it's great to hear that J.J. McCarthy has been working with new Minnesota Vikings starting center Ryan Kelly. That is one connection that needs to be solid before the team takes its first snap of the 2025 NFL season.