Overview
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced eight captains, including McCarthy, Justin Jefferson, Harrison Smith, Aaron Jones Sr., Andrew DePaola, Josh Metellus, Jonathan Greenard and Brian O’Neill.
- McCarthy is expected to make his first regular-season start on Sept. 8 at Chicago on Monday Night Football, where he will wear the captain’s C.
- The 22-year-old missed all of 2024 following a knee injury that required surgeries and rehabilitation before being cleared for 2025.
- Minnesota turns the offense over to McCarthy after 2024 starter Sam Darnold departed for the Seahawks in free agency.
- McCarthy enters his second season on a four-year rookie contract worth about $22 million with a team option for a fifth year in 2028.