Vikings Trade Up One Spot And Take J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings wanted McCarthy all along and ended up not needing to trade into the top five to get their next franchise signal-caller. McCarthy won a national championship with the Wolverines last year but wasn't asked to do a lot with a strong running back behind him. He ran a pro-style offense in college, which should give him a high floor at the next level, and he'll be set up well for future success in Minnesota with a great one-two punch in receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The talent is there with McCarthy, but he also didn't have the big sample size that the other big-name QB prospects in this draft did. McCarthy won't necessarily start in his rookie year in 2024 with Sam Darnold also in town.
Source: NFL.com
The Minnesota Vikings traded up one spot from 11th to 10th with the New York Jets in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night to select Michigan quarterback Source: NFL.com
J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
J.J. McCarthy (knee) was prepared to start in 2025, but the 2024 first-round pick out of Michigan has no doubts, saying, "I know I'm ready to start." The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie campaign after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee, setting veteran Sam Darnold up as the clear starter all season. The Vikings traded for former Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell during the 2025 NFL Draft, but the team has not invested in other notable quarterbacks this offseason. That said, McCarthy is the clear favorite to earn the starting nod. While McCarthy will likely see growing pains in his first year, a supporting cast consisting of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones should give him a chance to succeed. That said, he might not be on the fantasy radar in single-QB formats this season.
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN
There have been questions surrounding whether or not Minnesota Vikings quarterback Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN
"No Limitations" For J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy (knee) is "full" with "no limitations" during the team's voluntary offseason program. McCarthy suffered a meniscus tear in his knee in the preseason last year that required surgery and caused him to miss his entire rookie campaign after being taken in the first round (10th overall) in 2024. But now that both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency, the 22-year-old signal-caller will be given the starting reigns in 2025. Minnesota could revisit signing Aaron Rodgers later this offseason if they aren't happy with McCarthy's progress, but that's probably unlikely. McCarthy will have one of the best receiver duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but fantasy managers should still expect ups and downs in his first full season as the starter. Those holding McCarthy in dynasty leagues have to be pleased with how this offseason has played out.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that quarterback Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Vikings Want J.J. McCarthy To Be Their Starting QB
J.J. McCarthy (knee) as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback is "the outcome we want" and "the outcome we're headed towards," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said on Wednesday. However, the GM also refused to rule out the possibility of revisiting talks with free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers later this offseason if he's still available. McCarthy and Brett Rypien are the only QBs currently on the Vikings roster after both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in 2024, missed all of his rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee suffered in the preseason. However, he's been cleared for offseason activities and is working to regain weight after losing more than 20 pounds. McCarthy said he hasn't been told he's the starter, but barring something unexpected, he should be under center for the Vikes in Week 1 this fall.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Naming quarterback Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Vikings Haven't Told J.J. McCarthy He's the Starting QB
J.J. McCarthy (knee) said on the Up & Adams Show that the team hasn't told him that he's the starting QB going into the 2025 season this fall, and he's "happy they didn't." The Vikings reportedly told free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they aren't considering signing him, which essentially sent the message that the team is moving forward with McCarthy, a first-rounder last year, as their starting QB, even though he missed all of his rookie season with a torn meniscus suffered in the preseason. The Vikings are still expected to add a veteran signal-caller after losing both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones in free agency, but it won't be someone that pushes the 22-year-old McCarthy for the starting gig. Something could change once the Vikings begin offseason workouts, but for now, all signs point to McCarthy starting in Week 1 this fall.
Source: Up & Adams
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Source: Up & Adams
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