More belief behind 2024 being a 'redshirt year' for J.J. McCarthy

Even though Minnesota spent the 10th overall pick on its franchise quarterback, it might not be in the cards for J.J. McCarthy to start for the Vikings in 2024. That’s what some believe that are in the ‘know.’

According to Pioneer Press writer Charley Walters, he believes McCarthy won’t start in ’24 and won’t even be the main backup. He looks for Sam Darnold to start this upcoming season with Nick Mullens backing him up. That would mean McCarthy has a ‘redshirt’ year as a rookie.

“It will be a redshirt year for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, with Sam Darnold the starter and Nick Mullens the backup. It appears the transition plan will be to turn the starting job over to McCarthy in 2025.”

McCarthy was 27-1 at Michigan in two seasons as the starter. He won a State Title in high school and has been a winner wherever he goes. But the Vikings aren’t going to rush McCarthy and are perfectly fine in a world where he sits and is ready to go in 2025. However, if Darnold bombs and Mullens is a turnover machine, it’s not a foregone conclusion that McCarthy doesn’t get some serious playtime this year.