The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation has been the subject of speculation for months, especially with Sam Darnold coming off a strong 14-win Pro Bowl season and J.J. McCarthy sidelined due to meniscus surgery.
McCarthy’s injury raised concerns about his readiness for the 2025 season, adding fuel to the discussion about potential veteran quarterbacks stepping in as a bridge.
With Darnold off to Seattle, the Vikings’ quarterback drama took a new turn when news broke that Daniel Jones was finalizing a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, leaving the Vikings without one of their veteran options.
This shift sparked insight from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who confirmed the future at quarterback in Minnesota.
Pelissero reported on X that with Darnold joining the Seattle Seahawks and Jones heading to Indianapolis, McCarthy is now “likely” to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025.
“With Sam Darnold off to Seattle and Daniel Jones to Indianapolis, it is now considered likely J.J. McCarthy will be the #Vikings’ starting QB in 2025,” Pelissero posted.
While this may seem like a no-brainer to many Minnesota fans, it’s confirmation for the broader NFL world of what those close to the Vikings have been speculating for months.
For some, McCarthy’s potential as the starting quarterback is seen as a safe bet, but the Vikings have made it clear in the past that they value competition.
Last season, they fostered a quarterback battle, and it’s likely they’ll do the same this year, especially with McCarthy coming off an injury.
However, the landscape for quarterback options has changed as the free-agent market continues to dwindle.
After losing both Darnold and Jones, the Vikings find themselves with fewer viable options to challenge McCarthy.
While several experienced quarterbacks could step in as backups, few would be in a position to seriously compete with the 22-year-old.
However, it’s hard to ignore that both Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson remain available on the open market…
Despite no official confirmation, there are insiders who are looking at Rodgers-to-Pittsburgh as a foregone conclusion. (Although the Vikings are rumored to still be interested.)
If Rodgers is indeed off the table, veteran quarterbacks such as Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Taylor Heinecke, Joe Flacco, Mac Jones, and Carson Wentz figure to be options.
As McCarthy looks to recover and prove himself in 2025, the Vikings’ quarterback picture is slowly becoming clearer – but the competition for the top spot is anything but settled.
Having said that, the Vikings have doubled-down on their support for McCarthy being their franchise quarterback of the future (and perhaps present).
What are your thoughts on Minnesota’s quarterback situation? … Is it safe to remove Rodgers from the equation yet???
