Vikings ‘really confident’ in J.J. McCarthy with critical QB decision looming

Vikings ‘really confident’ in J.J. McCarthy with critical QB decision looming

Whether the J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota will begin in Week 1 of the 2025 season remains to be seen.

But as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said, “If that’s the course of action we decide, we’ll go in there confidently.”

Adofo-Mensah fielded a slew of questions about the Vikings’ offseason plans from members of the media on Thursday.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fields questions from members of the media on Thursday. YouTube / Minnesota Vikings

Sam Darnold is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 while McCarthy missed the entire season due to a knee injury he suffered in preseason.

“He’s on the field, throwing and training,” Adofo-Mensah said of McCarthy. “He looks great. He’s excited … You talk about a kid who’s just obsessed with football and loves being around the game. So, we’re excited about what we have in him. We’re excited for this offseason for him. It’s a big offseason. And then, we’ll continue from there.

“[2024 was something of] a redshirt year … but mentally, [we were] talking about how much he learned this year compared to other years in his football life [and he says it was] exponential, which you would expect for a young player in this building.”

J.J. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. Getty Images

Adofo-Menssah stopped just short of declaring that the Vikings are ready to thrust the 21-year-old into the starting role.

“We’re really confident in him — his work ethic, and his preparation … but I can’t sit here and tell you I know anything for certain,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I know that I’m willing to believe in the person that we have. That position is about talent and preparation — and he’s got those things in spades.”

McCarthy’s injury paved the way for Darnold to win the starting job.

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (92) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during their playoff game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale.
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (92) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during their playoff game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale.
Joseph Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With Darnold under center throughout the 2024 season, Minnesota won 14 games — the most for a Vikings team since 1998.

Darnold, at times, looked so good that pundits began theorizing the team would be fielding offers on their injured rookie.

That idea might have made sense before the NFC wild-card game, but with Darnold’s disastrous play in the team’s 27-9 loss to the Rams, it now seems more far-fetched.

Related Posts

BREAKING NEWSCollege soccer star and son of former NFL player Milton Stegall dies in dorm room

BREAKING NEWSCollege soccer star and son of former NFL player Milton Stegall dies in dorm room

Chase Stegall, the son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Milton Stegall, has died suddenly at the age of 20.  Chase, a rising collegiate soccer star at…

Vikings have major concerns about QB JJ McCarthy after pᴀssing on free-agent Aaron Rodgers, insider says

Vikings have major concerns about QB JJ McCarthy after pᴀssing on free-agent Aaron Rodgers, insider says

The Minnesota Vikings declined to bring in veteran free-agent Aaron Rodgers. Now, according to one league insider, the team is still unconvinced starting quarterback JJ McCarthy is…

Patriots’ decision on Stefon Diggs revealed after viral video of NFL star handling bag of unknown substance

Patriots’ decision on Stefon Diggs revealed after viral video of NFL star handling bag of unknown substance

The New England Patriots reportedly have no plans to cut Stefon Diggs in the wake of a viral video which showed the wide receiver handling a bag containing…

Giants left with one more rookie to sign after Darius Alexander inks deal

Giants left with one more rookie to sign after Darius Alexander inks deal

And then there was one.  Third-round pick Darius Alexander became the sixth member of the Giants’ seven-man draft class to sign his rookie contract Monday, leaving only…

BREAKING NEWSTravis Kelce’s managers make career-defining move for the Chiefs star’s life after football

BREAKING NEWSTravis Kelce’s managers make career-defining move for the Chiefs star’s life after football

Travis Kelce’s managers, brothers Andre and Aaron Eanes, have sold their A&A Management organization to film and television company 3 Arts Entertainment. The Eanes brothers announced the…

The very early reviews on Aaron Glenn’s Jets culture overhaul

The very early reviews on Aaron Glenn’s Jets culture overhaul

Every new head coach, upon being hired, is quick to invoke the C-word: Culture. More often than not, when a new coach is hired it’s because the…