Vikings haven't told J.J. McCarthy he's the starting QB and he's 'happy they didn't'

[ASFN Admin]

The Minnesota Vikings opted not to keep Sam Darnold this offseason, choosing to let him leave in free agency. It was the first major vote of confidence for J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted 10th overall by Minnesota last year.

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery in August to repair a torn meniscus but he’s viewed as the franchise quarterback in Minneapolis. The team just hasn’t told him that yet, which doesn’t bother him in the least bit.

In fact, he’s glad the team hasn’t anointed him as QB1 for 2025.

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

J.J. McCarthy reveals the Minnesota Vikings haven't told him he's the No. 1 QB, and he's "happy they didn't."@heykayadams | @jjmccarthy09pic.twitter.com/RCRz412ROM

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 25, 2025

The Vikings were previously linked to Aaron Rodgers after Darnold left but they’re no longer pursuing the former Packers and Jets quarterback. It’s clear Minnesota is committed to McCarthy as the starter in 2025, but it hasn’t ruled out another run at Rodgers in the summer, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.

The Vikings then spent nearly a week discussing the possibility of adding veteran Aaron Rodgers, who told the team that his preference was to sign with them, sources have said. Last week, the Vikings decided to move forward with McCarthy during OTAs and minicamp, sources said, while leaving open the possibility of revisiting Rodgers this summer if he is still available.

McCarthy is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season after undergoing a second knee procedure last November.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings' J.J. McCarthy hasn't been told he's the starting QB

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