The Minnesota Vikings appear to be moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. After being selected with the No. 10 pick in last year’s NFL Draft, McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season due to a meniscus injury.
Now healthy, he will have an arsenal of elite playmakers at his disposal, which is crucial for a young quarterback’s success. Among them is star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL.
During an appearance on Up & Adams, McCarthy told host Kay Adams that his relationship with Jefferson is “fantastic.” “We resonate deeply on that joyful, playful energy,” McCarthy said.
After leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards in 2022, Justin Jefferson had a setback in 2023 due to a hamstring injury that limited him to just 10 games. However, he bounced back in 2024, recording 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing all 17 games.
Jefferson’s strong performance helped Sam Darnold, who was Minnesota’s starting quarterback last season, have a breakout year and earn his first Pro Bowl selection.
The Vikings finished the 2024 season with a 14-3 record, coming close to securing the NFC’s top seed. However, their playoff run ended early with a wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
J.J. McCarthy, who led Michigan to a College Football Playoff National Championship just a year ago, now steps into the spotlight as Minnesota’s presumed starter. There have been questions about how he will adapt to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s pass-heavy offense after operating in Jim Harbaugh’s run-first system at Michigan.