NFL Insider Reveals Major Update On Status Of Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy

With Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, Sam Darnold seems slated to start in Week 1 at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, even though he is considered a disappointment and even a bust. Of course, they’re hoping J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in April’s draft, will eventually supplant Darnold and become their next legitimate franchise quarterback.

While the conventional wisdom is that rookie QBs should sit for a while and learn from an established veteran, that doesn’t necessarily make sense if said rookie is ready to play, and play well.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano (h/t The Purple Persuasion), there are certain benchmarks that, if hit by certain dates, could result in McCarthy starting under center when Minnesota kicks off the regular season at the New York Giants On Sept. 8.

Will J.J. McCarthy’s game translate into the NFL?

Going into the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy was perhaps the most intriguing prospect around, but he was also a polarizing one.

McCarthy had led the University of Michigan to a win in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, but since he had played in a run-heavy offense under head coach Jim Harbaugh, many questioned whether he could successfully make the transition to a more pass-happy offense.

In two seasons under head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have ranked in the top four in pass attempts while ranking near the bottom of the NFL in rushing attempts. It’s no wonder why, as they boast arguably the game’s best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson and additional bona fide threats in fellow wideout Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

In free agency, Minnesota also added veteran running back Aaron Jones, the former Green Bay Packers mainstay who has some dual-threat ability.

It all adds up to a sense that if the Vikings have simply above-average quarterbacking, they should have a real shot at returning to the playoffs.

Yes, the NFC North has greatly improved, as the Packers are rising fast and the Chicago Bears suddenly look loaded. But Minnesota has the weapons, at least at the skill positions, to match the Packers, Bears and defending division winner Detroit Lions offensively.

Minnesota just needs someone to deliver their studs the football at the right time and in the right place.

Perhaps in time, J.J. McCarthy, who completed 72.3 percent of his pass attempts and was the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in 2023, will be exactly the man to do it.

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