Vikings Get Good News on QB J.J. McCarthy After Rodgers Rumors Subside

   

Vikings Get Good News on QB J.J. McCarthy After Rodgers Rumors Subside

The Minnesota Vikings have bet not just the upcoming season, but their long-term future, on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy -- a somewhat risky wager considering he is just 22 years old and has yet to play a regular-season snap in the NFL. 

Minnesota has passed on the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, at least for now, clearing a path for McCarthy to win the starting job. However, the young quarterback is coming off of two knee surgeries following a preseason injury in August 2024 that robbed him of his entire rookie campaign. 

On Wednesday, April 2, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shared good news on McCarthy's recovery and progression with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. 

"We're excited about J.J. McCarthy," Adofo-Mensah said. "Obviously, he had an injury setback, but we're excited about everything he's done from that point, and we're going to go forward with that."

"He's been in a great spot. Every checkpoint ... he's exceeded," Adofo-Mensah continued. "Every throwing session, every workout, I mean the kid is so detailed and process-oriented."

The GM added that the team will look to fill out the QB room with more depth, as Brett Rypien is the only other signal-caller on the roster as of early April. 

Minnesota has spoken to Ryan Tannehill about a backup job and has also been floated as a landing spot for players like Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz in free agency.