NFL

Will J.J. McCarthy Start At Quarterback For The Minnesota Vikings?

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By
Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published25 Mar 2025

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J.J. McCarthy holds the ball and prepares to throw.

After moving on from Sam Darnold this offseason, will J.J. McCarthy become the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings?

Vikings Have Not Told J.J. McCarthy That He’s The Starter

Without Darnold in Minnesota, McCarthy is expected to be under center for the Vikings come Week 1.

However, McCarthy has not officially been named the starter. While many might be frustrated by the lack of communication, McCarthy welcomes it as a challenge.

“They haven’t told me, and I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day,” McCarthy said while speaking with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams show. “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.”

The Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

McCarthy entered last summer as the backup to Darnold. However, McCarthy suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in August.

Even though McCarthy continues to rehab his knee, the former Michigan quarterback said he’s healthy and ready to play.

“I mean, I would say I’m 100 percent,” McCarthy said. “But yeah, just staying consistent with the rehab process and not wavering from that, and just staying disciplined with all the outside stuff and making sure I’m not chopping too much wood and doing all that fun stuff.”

Vikings Will Likely Turn To J.J. McCarthy At Quarterback

The Vikings did contemplate keeping Darnold after the former first-round pick led Minnesota to a 14-3 regular season record.

Minnesota lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

Earlier this month, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, opening the door for McCarthy to become Minnesota’s starter.

There were rumors that the Vikings might be interested in free agent Aaron Rodgers. Plus, other teams reportedly called the Vikings and asked about McCarthy’s availability via trade.

However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings rejected multiple trade calls for McCarthy and do not plan to sign Rodgers.

Barring a setback, McCarthy will be QB1 for the Vikings.