Overview

• Head coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have expressed strong confidence in J.J. McCarthy as the team's likely Week 1 starter, though he must earn the role in training camp.
• McCarthy, the Vikings' 2024 first-round draft pick, has fully recovered from a torn meniscus that sidelined him for his rookie season.
• The Vikings confirmed recent discussions with free agent Aaron Rodgers but emphasized these talks were exploratory and do not indicate doubts about McCarthy's potential.
• O'Connell highlighted the benefits of McCarthy's increased reps during the offseason and the competitive environment being fostered to accelerate his development.
• While the team has ended its current dialogue with Rodgers, they have not ruled out revisiting the option later in the offseason depending on circumstances.