Vikings’ Rookie QB Not a Lock to Start in 2025?

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected the highest drafted quarterback in franchise history. J.J. McCarthy was selected No. 10 overall and immediately sparked hope for the future amongst Vikings’ fans.

With momentum building for McCarthy in training camp and a dominant first preseason game, the hopes of seeing him play this year ended after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee. McCarthy was placed on IR, before the season started, ending his rookie season.

Not 100% certainty J.J. McCarthy is the starting QB next year?

Although current starting quarterback Sam Darnold is playing pretty well this season, nearly every Vikings’ fans assumed McCarthy was still the future at the quarterback position. It is still more than likely to be the case, however, local beat reporter doesn’t think it’s 100% certain. At least, as of this moment.

Here’s what Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) had to say in a recent Access Vikings Podcast Episode and his Newsletter:

Per @BenGoessling, it’s “entirely possible” J.J. McCarthy is the starting QB in 2025, however, it’s not a 100% certain at this moment.

Goessling also notes how he “thinks they want [McCarthy] to be ready to go” and “bets they’re hoping he starts next year” but there’s a lot… pic.twitter.com/SFszg1dYV0

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) November 3, 2024

It seems entirely possible McCarthy will be the Vikings’ starter in 2025, and if he is, he’ll ascend to the full-time role without having thrown a regular-season NFL pass. Like Richardson, he was the youngest quarterback taken in the first round this year, though he started 28 games at Michigan (to Richardson’s 13 at Florida) and played in a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh that mirrored some of the concepts in the Vikings’ offense.

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) – Access Vikings Newsletter

What’s interesting about this is the lack of commitment Goessling uses with his words. He states that it “seems entirely possible McCarthy will be the Vikings’ starter in 2025”. Why wouldn’t he say “McCarthy will be the Vikings’ starter in 2025”, or even, “barring exigent circumstances, he will start…”?

The Vikings are committed to J.J. McCarthy, but will he be ready to start in 2025?

Goessling, in a recent Access Vikings Podcast episode, further elaborated on McCarthy’s situation. Again… what do you notice about what the Minnesota Vikings insider had to say?

“I mean, they’re trying as much as they can to use this year to the best of their ability because I think they want him to be ready to go next year and I would bet they’re hoping he starts next year. So, we’ll see where all of that goes, but that’s the stuff I know, at least in terms of McCarthy.”

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) – Access Vikings Podcast

Once again, Goessling doesn’t use verbiage that makes it seem like he’ll 100% be ready-to-go next year. What is clear though is that the Minnesota Vikings do seem like they really want him to be ready. The team is “hoping” he is the starting quarterback in 2025? Goessling closes with “we’ll see where all of this goes”. Yes, very comforting…

What could hold J.J. McCarthy back from being the starting quarterback next year?

I still believe odds that McCarthy starts for the Vikings in 2025 is higher than the alternative. But clearly, even the most plugged in resources, are at least somewhat skeptical of whether or not J.J. will be able to make his triumphant return that quickly.

McCarthy’s injury is one of the top reasons that could potentially hinder him starting next year. He should be healed well in time before training camp next year, but everyone recovers at different rates. Not only that, how much of the offseason does he have to miss?

Per @AlbertBreer, @Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy was part of the team’s traveling party for the first time in LA and "went out to dinner in L.A. with the QBs Wednesday night".

Breer said further that "McCarthy is building strength back now and isn’t yet at the point where it’s… pic.twitter.com/QM1lrjkcJ2

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 28, 2024

Not only is McCarthy’s injury a factor, but if Darnold continues on this track would the Vikings consider bringing Darnold back? It seems unlikely, but if Darnold goes deep in the playoffs would that change the Vikings’ opinion?

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 10 Matchup vs Jaguars

Overall, McCarthy’s recovery seems to be going well. The team still seems to be planning for McCarthy as the future quarterback for this team, but to say with 100% certainty, at this moment, that he will be the starting quarterback is probably a bit premature.