Vikings Face Warning Over J.J. McCarthy's Role in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 6:15 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings made a big bet on quarterback J.J. McCarthy this offseason, allowing veteran Sam Darnold to leave in free agency after his career-best season and instead moving ahead with McCarthy despite his injury-shortened rookie season.

It's a bet that might not bring immediate results, one insider warns. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton predicted all of the last-place teams in the NFL, suggesting that the Vikings will drop from 14-3 last season to the bottom of the NFC North this year.

Moton suggested that McCarthy's development will slow the team's outlook. McCarthy was in line to earn the starting job last year before being sidelined by a knee injury, forcing Darnold into action and leading to the best season of the veteran's career.

"Though head coach Kevin O'Connell has proved himself to be a quality play-caller, he can't wave a magic wand to expedite first-year starter J.J. McCarthy's development," Moton wrote.

Moton noted that the Vikings are facing a talented division, and the time it takes McCarthy to develop a connection with teammates will likely cost the team games.

"However, McCarthy's inexperience could cost the Vikings some games against formidable opponents," Moton wrote. "Since he became head coach, O'Connell's rushing offenses have ranked 19th or worse. Without a complementary ground game, the QB could struggle through the first half of the season before he finds his rhythm."

The Vikings appear focused on McCarthy, opting against pursuing veteran Aaron Rodgers and instead bringing on Sam Howell as a backup. Howell is not expected to mount a serious challenge to McCarthy's starting role.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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