J.J. McCarthy is ready to roll as the Minnesota Vikings open their offseason program.
"I'd consider him full. Really, no limitations," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday. "I want to credit J.J. for how he's handled these last two, two-and-a-half, three months or so where I think he's ready to hit the ground running as of today."
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a preseason knee injury. After learning on the side in 2024, the Michigan product sets sail as the clear-cut starter at this stage in 2025.
O'Connell noted that with a year to learn and develop his game outside the spotlight, McCarthy ramped up his technique and mental acumen.
"He's done a phenomenal job [with] what I would really call [those] invisible habits, invisible work that he's done when really nobody's been watching, in many ways solidifying and finalizing his rehab," he said. "Then, on into a phase where he's really been able to push it on the field from a throws [standpoint] and working his technique and fundamentals and then ultimately the mental side of it as well."
O'Connell said that Phase One of the offseason program, starting with classroom work and rehab training, sets up "perfectly" for McCarthy.
Moving forward, the question is whether and when the Vikings might add a veteran signal-caller. Minnesota was outbid for veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, with both leaving for better paths to playing time. Aaron Rodgers' name has been floated about as a potential veteran addition, but the Vikings plan to give McCarthy the reins.
"We've been patient, and we've really evaluated a lot of different ways we could potentially do that," O'Connell said of adding a veteran QB. "There's potential trades and free agency and still the draft. We're going through a process of just figuring out who is the player we want to solidify that room with. ... When that happens, the timing of it remains to be seen."
At this point, McCarthy getting the majority of early offseason reps -- mental and physical -- is best for his development. With Brett Rypien the only other quarterback on the roster, someone will be added before training camp. The type of signal-caller -- whether simply a camp arm or otherwise -- could depend on the progress McCarthy continues to make.
