Rival Scout Says Vikings Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy 'Will Be Starting By September'

The Minnesota Vikings made a risky move this offseason, letting veteran starting quarterback Kirk Cousins leave in free agency and starting over with a raw first-round pick and a veteran journeyman to initiate a new succession plan under center.

After signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal, the Vikings traded up one spot in the 2024 NFL Draft to land Michigan's J.J. McCarthy as their new franchise quarterback of the future.

Darnold has enough starting experience to give the Vikings a solid bridge to McCarthy, but there are those around the league who don't think it'll take long for the leader of last year's national championship team at Michigan to take the torch for himself.

“Maneuvering for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy gives the Vikings their quarterback of the future after Kirk Cousins left in free agency to join the Falcons," one rival scout told Athlon Sports for this year's NFL preview magazine , on sale at newsstands now. "McCarthy is a true winner with a live arm and plus mobility. Whether he’s ready to start the opener is up in the air, but Sam Darnold can hold down the fort until McCarthy is ready. From the impression he’s made at every stage of the draft process, I think McCarthy will be starting by September."

This scout never bought into the trade rumors surrounding some of the Vikings' most important pieces elsewhere on the offense, and so far, those doubts have been proven true.

"Those trade rumors about Justin Jefferson don’t make a lot of sense to me," the scout said. "They don’t have many weapons without him. ... T.J. Hockenson is a quarterback’s best friend. ... I thought Aaron Jones was a sneaky-good signing. Their running game just became a lot more physical. ... Didn’t buy into the Christian Darrisaw trade rumors, either. Lot of smoke, no fire."

On defense, the Vikings will be relying on a combination of new additions to make up for key departures up front, and a familiar face on the back end who continues to defy Father Time.

"The Jonathan Greenard-Dallas Turner edge rusher tandem could be special," the scout said. "Replacing Danielle Hunter is a big undertaking, but these guys are up for it. ... Blake Cashman is a hometown guy who played a lot of smart football in Houston last season. He’s got a great nose for the football. ... Harrison Smith keeps signing new deals and extending his successful run here. Great return on their investment. He’s tough, smart and dependable. ... Hard to see how they’re going to handle the Packers’ passing game with this set of corners.”

The Vikings face an uphill battle to the top of the NFC North standings, with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers as true title contenders, and the Chicago Bears improving fast after an offseason full of big moves.

But if their plan works at quarterback, the other pieces are there to make them competitive sooner than later.

Related: Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL Season Preview: When Will J.J. McCarthy Be Ready?

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