When the Vikings were reportedly walking through Sam Darnold and bowed from Aaron Rodgers' sweepstakes, it appears they made it clear that Rodgers' doors could still be cracked as Minnesota has not yet clearly committed to McCarthy.
Kay Adams from “Up & Adams Show” When asked McCarthy on Tuesday, the Vikings revealed to him that he was their man.
“They haven't told me,” replied McCarthy.
After being drafted 10th overall in 2024, McCarthy missed the entire rookie season, which suffered a knee injury in the preseason, finishing his starting battle with Darnold.
This offseason has been rumoured that Rogers is interested in joining the Vikings and will likely lead the team and mentor McCarthy. Reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network “The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls to JJ McCarthy and are telling other teams that they are moving forward with him as quarterbacks.”
He added that the team is still looking for veterans to add to the quarterback room, “they are not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this point.”
But after McCarthy's comments, things probably aren't set entirely on stone, and maybe a veteran like Rogers is still playing around with him.
Although he hasn't technically scored a job, McCarthy had a positive view on the issue.
“I'm happy they didn't do that because I'm trying to get it every day,” he said. “I don't want that to be given to me.”
As McCarthy laid it out, the franchise may be waiting to explicitly tell him he is a starter as a way to motivate him to continue developing.
But I think the Vikings will soon instill confidence and stability in the top 10 draft picks if the job is really his destiny.
It's official that McCarthy will become Minnesota's starter next season, until there's another legitimate option on the roster.
“It's a very privilege and an opportunity to give that opportunity,” McCarthy said of the possibility of competing for work. “I'm going to make the most of it every day.”
