Overview

• J.J. McCarthy has been officially named the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback for 2025 after fully recovering from his August 2024 knee injury under a three-year development plan
• Pro Football Focus analyst John Kosko projects McCarthy’s trajectory between consistent Pro Bowl play and MVP-caliber impact based on advanced metrics
• McCarthy’s $22 million rookie contract offers cost-controlled upside this season but contributes to a projected $60 million salary-cap deficit in 2026
• ESPN’s Aaron Schatz has recommended veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon as a short-term depth addition to strengthen Minnesota’s pass-rush rotation
• Running back Jordan Mason’s offseason trade has been dubbed a potential “steal,” with his explosiveness expected to complement McCarthy’s ground-and-pound approach