The Minnesota Vikings will have some major questions to ask regarding the quarterback decision this offseason. Sam Darnold had a tremendous season for the Vikings.
Minnesota finished with a 14-4 record. They lost to the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams twice. If the Vikings do not sign Sam Darnold to a contract extension or franchise tag him this offseason, there is a chance that J.J. McCarthy will be the starting quarterback for the Vikings for the 2025 NFL season.
The33rdteam.com Writer Tyler Brooke Thinks That Minnesota Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Could Be a Breakout Candidate For the 2025 NFL Season
With the Vikings’ 2024 season over, it is never too early to look at the 2025 NFL season. The33rdteam.com writer Tyler Brooke thinks that one potential breakout candidate for the 2025 NFL season is Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Brooke said:
“It’s unclear what the future holds for J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, but the Vikings rookie quarterback could be in line for a big year in 2025.
McCarthy was taken with the 10th overall pick after a national title run at Michigan. He shined in the preseason before a season-ending meniscus injury that has now required two separate surgeries.
While the injury is a concern, a fully healthy McCarthy should be an electric option as an NFL starter in 2025. He’s had the opportunity to learn behind a seasoned veteran in Sam Darnold and a brilliant offensive mind in head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The perfect fit for McCarthy is in Minnesota, but there’s a chance the Vikings stick with Sam Darnold after such a strong year. The playoff dud, however, could force the Vikings’ hand, leading them to roll with their first-round pick instead to use the cap space they’d need to spend on keeping Darnold elsewhere.
Whether with the Vikings or another team, McCarthy’s ability to sit for a year and learn without being thrown into the fire means that he’ll be able to play with a lot more confidence in 2025.”
This offseason will be critical in whether or not J.J. McCarthy will be the starting quarterback in 2025. Hopefully, he will have no setbacks in his rehab or other things regarding his knee injury.
If there are setbacks, there is a chance that the Vikings could bring back Sam Darnold in 2025. If Darnold is not back, there is no question that there will be some teams who will want to sign him for next season.
Vikings Future
If J.J. McCarthy is the starter next season, he will have a lot of talent around him with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. It is possible that the Vikings will not re-sign Aaron Jones this offseason and that they could bring in a different running back for next year. Cam Akers could start if Jones doesn’t return or they could draft someone.
One of the biggest needs for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason is the offensive line. They need a good offensive line to protect McCarthy from the injuries. The offensive line could be another reason why Sam Darnold did not play well against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoff game. Also, McCarthy is only going to be 22 years old entering the next NFL season and has a lot of room to grow as a quarterback in the NFL.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!
Our Partners
