When the Vikings let Sam Darnold walk and reportedly bowed out of the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, it seemingly made it clear that they were ready to roll with J.J. McCarthy as their starter — but the Rodgers door could still be open just a crack as Minnesota hasn’t yet explicitly committed to McCarthy.
Kay Adams of the “Up & Adams Show” asked McCarthy Tuesday when the Vikings made it clear to him that he’s their guy.
“They haven’t told me,” McCarthy responded.
After being drafted 10th overall in 2024, McCarthy missed the entirety of his rookie season with a knee injury suffered in preseason, which ended a starting battle with Darnold.
This offseason, rumors have swirled that Rodgers was interested in joining the Vikings and would perhaps lead the team and mentor McCarthy, but NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that “the Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback.”
He added that the team is still looking for a veteran to add to the quarterback room but “they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time.”
But after McCarthy’s comment, perhaps things aren’t completely set in stone and maybe a veteran like Rodgers could still be in play.
While not technically earning the job yet, McCarthy had a positive outlook on the matter.
“I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day,” he said. “I never want that to be given to me.”
Like McCarthy laid it out, the franchise could be waiting to tell him explicitly he’s the starter as a way to motivate him to continue developing.
But you’d think the Vikings would instill confidence and stability into their top-10 draft pick right away if the job truly is destined to be his.
Despite the fog on the situation, until there’s another legitimate option on the roster, it is all but official that McCarthy will be Minnesota’s starter under center next season.
“It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance,” McCarthy said of the possibility of competing for the job. “I’m just gonna make the most of it every single day.”
