Kay Adams believes the Minnesota Vikings are under significant pressure in 2025 – and it’s a burden they brought on themselves.
Speaking on her show Up & Adams, Adams addressed Minnesota’s decision to bypass a chance at acquiring four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, choosing instead to hand the franchise over to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The move, she argued, puts the Vikings squarely in a win-now situation, especially after last season’s surprising success with Sam Darnold under center.
“When you’re not bringing in Aaron Rodgers, who will likely take this team farther way than it’s built, because there are no holes in it – brilliantly built and has all the talent in the prime of the biggest superstar in the NFL, Justin Jefferson… If you don’t go out and get Aaron, then you better win it with J.J. (McCarthy)” Adams said.
Earlier this offseason, the Vikings were loosely linked to Rodgers alongside teams like the Steelers and Giants.
While Rodgers still hasn’t made up his mind yet, the Vikings by all accounts are not interested in the future Hall of Famer.
Despite McCarthy missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, the Vikings still soared to a 14-3 record with Darnold at the helm – an unprecedented mark for a team that didn’t win its division.
Adams stressed that McCarthy isn’t walking into a rebuilding situation – he’s inheriting a roster that’s built to contend immediately.
“The roster’s ready to go, they got a rebuilt O-line, aggressive play-making defense,” Adams continued. “Sam takes you to 14. Is J.J. an upgrade on Sam Darnold? Yes. We’re talking big games. They clearly think J.J., without playing a snap in the NFL, is going to take them where they need to go.”
Critics have pointed to the Vikings’ tortured postseason history as a reason to temper expectations. The franchise is 0-4 in Super Bowl appearances and hasn’t hoisted a Lombardi Trophy.
But Adams countered that McCarthy already silenced skeptics once – by leading the University of Michigan to a national championship in 2023, the school’s first since 1997.
Minnesota’s roster, headlined by Jefferson, an improved offensive line, and a deep defensive unit, is designed to compete right now.
With the NFC growing more competitive – especially as the reigning champion Eagles and surging Commanders remain threats – the Vikings’ quarterback gamble will face intense scrutiny from Day 1.
If McCarthy delivers, the front office will look like visionaries. If not, the decision to pass on Rodgers may linger as a franchise-altering “what if.”
Most Vikings fans are more than happy to start up the McCarthy-era and see what they have in their (hopeful) franchise quarterback.
Having said that, do you think it’s a mistake for Minnesota to not hand the keys over to Rodgers for just one season? … Wouldn’t they have a better chance to win the Super Bowl with him in 2025???
