The Minnesota Vikings appear satisfied to take their time with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy and do not want to hurry him into the starting lineup just yet.
According to ESPN, McCarthy is currently “squarely behind” Sam Darnold in the team’s pecking order as minicamp progresses. Darnold has received the majority of first-team reps, with Nick Mullens holding down the second place.
Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings in March, was swiftly overshadowed by the hoopla surrounding McCarthy, who was selected 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft from Michigan. The Vikings hope he develops into a franchise leader.
Given McCarthy’s natural skill as a draft pick, it’s not surprising that the Vikings are easing him into his role. Despite his impressive 27-1 record as a starter at Michigan and a successful finale to his college career with a 34-13 win over Washington in the CFP National Championship, the Wolverines’ game plan did not focus around him, but rather on their rushing game.
McCarthy passed for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, with four interceptions, completing 240 of 332 passes. He also gained 202 yards and scored three touchdowns on the rush.
Though McCarthy may not be ready to start on day one in the NFL, he will have one of the league’s top receivers to target once he takes over as QB1. The Vikings recently signed All-Pro Justin Jefferson to a four-year, $140 million contract extension, keeping him with the team until 2028.
Jefferson has already been providing McCarthy valuable advise for his debut year. “I talked to J.J. as soon as he got drafted,” he told reporters. “I told him that confidence is crucial; just coming into this league with confidence and being able to have that leadership right away as a rookie.
“There will be people coming to aid. Of course, I will be the major person in his ear, trying to instruct and prepare him for what we are about to go through. But I informed him that this league is tough. It’s not easy to come out here and perform at your best, especially as a rookie. But I will absolutely be the main person he can rely on and aid him along the way.”
McCarthy, although being new to his Vikings post, has already made a favourable impact on Jefferson. “New energy. A new soul. I admire his confidence. “I love his attitude,” Jefferson said. “Of course, coming off a championship, you can’t be more confident than that. That confidence will continue to stay with him.”
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