After missing the entire 2024 NFL season due to a knee injury and losing his rookie year, J.J. McCarthy seems headed towards being the starter for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025.
Following Sam Darnold’s decision to leave town to sign with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract, McCarthy is the best quarterback in town. Also, the Vikings turned down the opportunity to pursue a short-term deal with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
During the 2025 NFL draft, Minnesota did go out and acquire Sam Howell from the Seahawks. Howell will be the primary backup behind McCarthy, barring a major unforeseen change.
Ric Tapia/Getty Images
With that being said, McCarthy is ready for the opportunity ahead of him. The former Michigan Wolverines star seems very confident about his ability.
Read more: Hall of Famer Blasts Browns QB Shedeur Sanders After NFL Draft
Even though Vikings fans have not seen him on the field in a regular season game, his final year at Michigan shows signs of major potential. He led the Wolverines to a national championship, completing 72.3% of his pass attempts for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He also picked up 202 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on the ground.
At just 22 years old, McCarthy could be the quarterback in Minnesota for many years to come.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, McCarthy has spoken out with a bold six-word message about being the Vikings’ starting quarterback.
“I know I’m ready to start,” McCarthy said.
“All the work I’ve put in and just the confidence in my skills and abilities.”
Read more: NFL Draft Expert Sends Head-Turning Message About Texas QB Arch Manning
Not only did McCarthy show off his confidence level in his own ability, but he also gave an update about how he’s doing in his recovery from the knee injury.
“Overall, I feel 110% because I feel better than when I got hurt eight months ago,” he said.
Should McCarthy be able to pick up where Darnold left off in Minnesota, the Vikings should once again be a top-tier contender in the NFC. Last year, the team finished the season with a 14-3 record, although they lost in the wild card round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams.
Fans are anxiously awaiting training camp and preseason action to get a glimpse at how McCarthy looks on the field. He’s facing a lot of pressure, but he seems to be in a great place with that pressure and is more confident than ever.
For more NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.