Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy sends strong message about whether he's ready to start in 2025

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was sidelined because of a right meniscus tear during his rookie season, but he's certain he's ready to rock in 2025.

"I know I'm ready to start," McCarthy said while grinning and wearing a backward baseball hat in a Tuesday news conference. "And I appreciate that question." 

The 22-year-old then explained why he's brimming with confidence, despite his lack of experience. 

"Because all the work I put in and just the confidence in my skills and abilities," McCarthy said. "And just being able to do my job and simplify things to the best of my ability every single day. And just taking it one day at a time, one play at a time. I have a tremendous coaching staff, a tremendous group of guys around me that I can lean on and they can lean on me." 

Minnesota has yet to name McCarthy as its starter, but he's expected to be its QB1 next season. The Vikings let QB Sam Darnold sign with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, even though he tossed the league's fifth-most touchdown passes (35 in 17 starts) last season.

The Vikings showed interest in free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers this offseason but didn't sign him. During the 2025 NFL Draft, Minnesota acquired backup QB Sam Howell in a trade with the Seahawks to add depth at the most important position.

The Vikings went 14-3 last season but lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wild-card round. They hope McCarthy — the 10th overall pick of the 2024 draft — catapults them to the top of the conference. 

McCarthy won a national championship at Michigan during the 2023 season but failed to produce eye-popping numbers throughout his college career. In three seasons with the Wolverines, he never threw for more than 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes.

While it's too early to determine whether McCarthy is the last piece of the Vikings' Super Bowl puzzle, at least he seems to have the swagger a franchise cornerstone needs.