Vikings' GM decision increases doubts about J.J. McCarthy's future

While The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini described the move as being "widely anticipated," the timing — nearly a month after the end of the regular season — is curious, a sentiment echoed by a Russini source in league circles.

"Minnesota should have waited longer... do they know what they're doing? Nobody really does in the end," the high-ranking official said.

While skepticism is warranted over how long it took Minnesota to reach its conclusion, the ends are justified, with the move raising fresh doubts over quarterback J.J. McCarthy's long-term outlook with the organization.

J.J. McCarthy could be on borrowed time following Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing

Adofo-Mensah did plenty right as general manager, including constructing a 2024 roster that won 14 games, the second-most in franchise history. But his biggest gaffe was the one that ultimately cost him his post.

Instead of re-signing quarterback Sam Darnold last offseason, Adofo-Mensah rolled the dice on 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed all of his rookie season after suffering a preseason knee injury.

The decision backfired, with Darnold headed to Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks as a 4.5-point favorite over the New England Patriots and McCarthy struggling in 10 starts, completing 57.6 percent of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 15 total touchdowns and 14 turnovers.

The Vikings also failed to retain Daniel Jones, who signed with the team late in 2024 and went on to have a career-year with the Indianapolis Colts this past season before tearing his Achilles.

Adofo-Mensah's firing is a clear indictment of the failures at quarterback, and the next lead front-office exec won't be beholden to making things work with McCarthy.

He's already partly responsible for Adofo-Mensah losing his job. His could be next.