Overview
- The Vikings have officially named J.J. McCarthy their starting quarterback for the 2025 season after he missed his rookie year recovering from knee surgery.
- General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did not re-sign Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones in free agency, signaling full commitment to McCarthy while Sam Howell provides veteran backup.
- NFL analysts urge Minnesota to address cornerback and safety vacancies in the offseason to protect McCarthy in his debut as a starter.
- McCarthy will have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones as primary weapons in an offense praised for its balance and Kevin O’Connell’s playcalling.
- ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky predicts McCarthy will excel in Minnesota’s favorable environment but notes lingering questions about his on-field readiness.