An uncertain future for the Minnesota Vikings at the quarterback position may have just gotten more complicated.

Last spring, the Vikings took quarterback JJ McCarthy tenth overall in the NFL Draft to be their ‘quarterback of the future’.

The Michigan prospect then suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason – leading to the starting job going to Sam Darnold.

Fast forward to this offseason. The Vikings reached the playoffs after a career resurgence from Darnold – who departed the team for the Seattle Seahawks.

So, with no other quarterbacks on the roster, it seems like the starting job may have already been promised to McCarthy.

But apparently that’s not the case. McCarthy spoke to Kay Adams at the NFLPA Classic down in Mayakoba, Mexico and revealed that his starting role has not been confirmed.

J.J. McCarthy reveals the Minnesota Vikings haven’t told him he’s the No. 1 QB, and he’s “happy they didn’t.”@heykayadams | @jjmccarthy09 pic.twitter.com/RCRz412ROM

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 25, 2025

Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy says he hasn’t been promised the starting role by the team

The Vikings have previously been linked with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers

However, despite his lack of security in his role, McCarthy says he’s glad that such a job hasn’t been promised to him. 

‘They haven’t told me, and I’m happy they didn’t, because I try to earn it every single day,’ McCarthy said.

‘I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance, I’m just gonna make the most of it every single day.’

Rumors have linked the Vikings to free agent Aaron Rodgers if they don’t feel confident in McCarthy’s abilities as a starter.

However, reports indicate that decision to sign Rodgers lies on the shoulders of coach Kevin O’Connell.

While the Vikings do have a high opinion of Rodgers, reports indicate that Minnesota will likely back out of the race to sign him.

Minnesota does need to sign at least one more quarterback, unless they choose to draft two quarterbacks in April.