The Minnesota Vikings let 2024 starting quarterback Sam Darnold leave the club as a free agent, and Minnesota hasn’t yet approached Aaron Rodgers about possibly serving as a bridge option at the position.
Thus, many have assumed the Vikings are planning to name 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy their new QB1.
According to McCarthy, he hasn’t yet been promised anything regarding the upcoming campaign by head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“They haven’t told me,” McCarthy said during a Tuesday appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” program about conversations he’s had with O’Connell and Co., as shared by Kevin Patra of the NFL’s website. “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.”
The Vikings could’ve retained Darnold’s rights for 2025 via the franchise tag after he guided the club to a 14-3 record, but Minnesota instead allowed him to begin speaking with other teams when the legal tampering portion of free agency began on March 10. He ultimately agreed to a three-year, $100.5M contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Meanwhile, some within the Vikings have “supported the idea of adding Rodgers” to the roster this spring because McCarthy is “a less-than-certain option” coming off the full meniscus repair that sidelined him for his entire rookie season. On Tuesday, McCarthy insisted he’s feeling “fantastic” after he spent his rookie campaign learning as a sidelined spectator.
“It was an ultimate blessing because, you know, it’s just such a time of stillness where you really get to reflect and introspect and find a routine,” McCarthy said about completing a redshirt pro season. “Especially early on in this career, in this profession, it’s huge for young guys to find that habitual routine that they can rely on and stay consistent with. So, I would say that was the biggest thing for me.”
It was previously reported that it’s a “safe bet” Rodgers will eventually sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but McCarthy’s update suggests the Vikings could give the future Hall of Famer a call depending on how the 22-year-old performs during springtime workouts. As long as Rodgers remains unsigned, some outsiders will continue to believe he’s an option for the Vikings amid McCarthy’s ongoing injury recovery.