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Vikings Entrust J.J. McCarthy as Youngest Starting Quarterback for 2025

Declining veteran options, Minnesota will launch the 22-year-old as its new starter backed by an elite receiving corps

J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Overview

  • The Vikings opted against pursuing Aaron Rodgers and allowed Sam Darnold to leave in free agency to back McCarthy under center for 2025.
  • If he takes the first snap, the former Michigan quarterback will become the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL at 22 years old, per NFL on CBS.
  • McCarthy has fully recovered from the meniscus tear that sidelined him all of 2024 and impressed coaches with his performance throughout spring workouts and mandatory camps.
  • He steps into a high-powered offense featuring Pro Bowl talents Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and veteran back Aaron Jones.
  • With T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver and Gavin Bartholomew entrenched, newcomer Giovanni Ricci faces an uphill battle to secure the final tight end spot.