The Minnesota Vikings are expected to finally unleash former Michigan Wolverines star quarterback JJ McCarthy as their no. 1 option under center in the 2025 NFL season. McCarthy could have started for the Vikings as early as his rookie season in 2024, but an injury he suffered in the preseason wiped out his chances to see action in his first year in the pros.
As McCarthy prepares for the 2025 NFL season, he’s at least ensured of an elite weapon to target downfield in the form of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who recently shared an insight on his chemistry with the signal-caller.
“It’s been great, Jefferson said about his connection with McCarthy. “You know, him being here last year. I got to know him a lot last year. But of course, him being my quarterback this year, being able to talk to him, more just pick his brain a little bit more, see what he likes, what he doesn’t like, how he throws the ball. All that is a big factor into a quarterback. So, just trying to learn every bit that I can even off the field, just trying to you know chop it up and make sure we’re welcome.”
Getting connected this time of the year is crucial.#Skol pic.twitter.com/6Nw5k6YmaV
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 2, 2025
Minnesota Vikings will get to see what McCarthy can do
With the Vikings moving on from Sam Darnold and McCarthy healthy at last, Minnesota’s offense will be mostly in the hands of McCarthy, who played three years for Michigan and won a national championship with the Wolverines in 2023.
The Vikings had success on offense with Darnold, as they averaged 24.5 points per game in 2024, ninth in the league. It remains to be seen whether Minnesota will have at least the same success in 2025 with McCarthy, but the Vikings may have a longer leash on him, considering his lack of experience at the top level.
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