Vikings Make Major Decision on J.J. McCarthy's Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 10:44 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings added a measure of clarity to their once-murky quarterback situation on the first day of the NFL's legal tampering period, with J.J. McCarthy rising back to the top of the depth chart.

The Vikings went into the 2024 season with plans for the rookie McCarthy to start, but a knee injury sidelined him and thrust journeyman Sam Darnold into the starting role. Darnold responded with a career-best season, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record.

The Vikings ultimately decided to revert to their original plan, allowing Darnold to hit free agency and making an apparent decision to move McCarthy back to the No. 1 spot.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Seattle Seahawks agreed to a three-year, $110.5 million deal with Darnold. The Vikings cleared the quarterback room even more, allowing Nick Mullens to leave in free agency, where he signed a new contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mid-season addition Daniel Jones also became a free agent.

The Vikings could still bring in more veteran competition for McCarthy, who is expected to return to the field this spring. Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that the former Michigan quarterback has reached his playing weight after progressing through rehab.

Goessling added that McCarthy had a unique chance to learn the game from the veteran Darnold.

"The 22-year-old had been cleared to resume on-field training in January, and the Vikings seem optimistic about what McCarthy was able to gain from his rookie season, when he watched Darnold’s practice snaps through the GoPro camera the Vikings attached to the quarterback’s helmet, while making regular use of the team’s virtual reality system and participating in all of the Vikings' quarterback meetings," Goessling reported.

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

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