The Minnesota Vikings had the option to pursue any quarterback available via free agency or trades.
However, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah remains confident in the skills of 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, despite the fact that the second-year QB has yet to play in an NFL game.
McCarthy, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was in the running to start for Minnesota until a meniscus tear during training camp sidelined him. This injury allowed Sam Darnold to step in, and Darnold’s strong 14-3 record helped lead the Vikings to the playoffs.
The Vikings have been connected to several quarterbacks this offseason, including both Darnold and Aaron Rodgers—who recently signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Still, both Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell are confident in continuing to back McCarthy, at least for the time being.
Why Do The Vikings Trust J.J. McCarthy As The Starting Quarterback?
When asked directly how he can trust J.J. McCarthy to lead the Vikings at quarterback, Adofo-Mensah was clear.
“With J.J., the bet has always been on his talent and football makeup,” he told the Star-Tribune in a recent online interview. “To me, the football makeup is the key. It bridges the gap between what you think he can do but hasn’t yet shown. That character is what gives you the confidence to take that leap.
“The difference between what he’s demonstrated so far—limited by a small sample size—and what’s ahead comes down to our belief in his football makeup. He’s going to go home every day and give everything he has to help achieve our goals.”
That faith in McCarthy’s work ethic and dedication allows Adofo-Mensah to rest easy rather than worry about his quarterback.
“I can sleep at night with that,” he said. “I’ll never regret going into battle with players like him.
“He’s incredibly coachable. Give him a coaching point, and he’ll take it home and make sure it sticks.”
As the Vikings enter training camp, McCarthy will be backed up by Sam Howell and Brett Rypien. While Minnesota’s quarterback depth may be thin, the team boasts an abundance of offensive weapons—Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones—and a strong offensive line to protect him.
“How do we support J.J.? By putting a really good offensive line in front of him to protect the passer and run the ball effectively, setting up easier down-and-distance situations,” Adofo-Mensah explained.
He also reflected on McCarthy’s promising development before his injury cut short his rookie season.
“We had clear conversations about our expectations for J.J. that year, and he quickly began exceeding them,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We were upfront publicly that we didn’t want him to play immediately, and he was already pushing to become the backup.”
Most importantly, Adofo-Mensah admired how McCarthy handled the injury.
“What stood out the most was his maturity and how he managed the setback,” he said.
What Are The Vikings’ Goals in 2025?
Even though the Vikings are starting a quarterback with no NFL experience, Adofo-Mensah has set exceptionally high expectations for what will define a successful season.
His confidence also comes from head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks and revitalizing careers, like with Sam Darnold.
“I believe we have the best quarterback development environment in the league,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I’m very confident about what will come out the other side.”
What might worry superstitious Vikings fans is that Adofo-Mensah openly declares his belief in the team’s goals. Despite Minnesota not having reached the Super Bowl since 1976—and never winning it—he isn’t hesitant to believe the team can change that history.
“We don’t hide our ambition—that’s not how we operate here,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We want to be one of the last teams standing. Every team should have that mindset… otherwise, why are we even doing this?”
