Vikings want JJ McCarthy to be starter — but not ruling out more Aaron Rodgers talks

Vikings want JJ McCarthy to be starter — but not ruling out more Aaron Rodgers talks

In his first comments about J.J. McCarthy’s spot in the quarterback depth chart in Minnesota, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah told reporters that “the outcome we want” is for McCarthy to be the starting QB. 

The Vikings GM also said that it was “the outcome we’re headed towards,” according to ESPN, while he left the door open for Minnesota to continue talks with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

Though it was believed that McCarthy would be the No. 1 quarterback at some point soon — part of why Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones signed with other teams this offseason — the Vikings have remained mum on their quarterback plans for next season. 

Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy AP

They have also been one of the suitors for Rodgers’ services. 

“For me to sit here and say that anything’s 100 percent forever, that’s just not the job,” Adofo-Mensah said when pressed about ruling out further talks with Rodgers. “We’re responding to scenarios and different information as it comes. So obviously things can change, but right now we’re really happy with our [quarterback] room and we’re going to look to upgrade it in different ways.”

McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee that cost him his rookie season and he has been cleared for offseason activities. 

The No. 10 overall pick appeared on “Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams” on Tuesday and was asked when he knew he would be the Vikings’ No. 1 quarterback. 

Aaron Rodgers Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

McCarthy said that the team hadn’t been told he was the starter. 

“I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day day and I never want that to be given to me,” McCarthy said. “It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance and I’m just going to make the most of it every single day.” 

During the appearance, McCarthy said that his knee was feeling “fantastic” and that he would say that he was “100 percent.” 

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 25, 2025. AP

Still, Rodgers appears to still be lurking on the horizon as the future Hall-of-Famer has not signed with a team and seemingly, one of his options came off the table on Tuesday when the Giants signed Russell Wilson to a one-year deal.

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