THE stars are aligning for JJ McCarthy to take over as the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback.
Despite some conversations with Aaron Rodgers this offseason, it appears the Vikings' starting quarterback is already on the roster.
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JJ McCarthy is on track to become the Vikings' starting quarterbackCredit: AP
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The Vikings did hold some conversations with Aaron Rodgers this offseasonCredit: AP
According to Vikings general manager Kewsi Adofo-Mensah said JJ McCarthy starting is "the outcome we want" and "the outcome we're heading towards."
Adofo-Mensah wouldn't rule out the idea returning to conversations with Rodgers, but there appears to be momentum between him and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"For me to sit here and say that anything's 100 percent forever, that's just not the job," Adofo-Mensah said.
"We're responding to scenarios and different information as it comes.
"So obviously things can change, but right now we're really happy with our [quarterback] room and we're going to look to upgrade it in different ways."
McCarthy was picked with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He was initially slated to be the team's starter, but a torn meniscus in preseason brought those plans to a halt.
McCarthy is now cleared for offseason activities and is working on gaining weight for the 2025 season. He lost over 20 pounds while recovering from his injury.
"At every checkpoint, whether it been the draft process or practice until the injury and really the offseason now, he's met the bar," Adofo-Mensah said.
"He's exceeded our expectations at every point. So I don't have the ability to tell you what the future is, but I can tell you what I expect to be the outcome this offseason from the competition.
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"But it's also our job to set up a quarterback room that's going to have to... provide insurance in case somebody needs to come in for a couple of games.
"And that's our job as a personnel department to look at all the options out there and make sure we're setting ourselves up for the best case we can."
This week McCarthy told Kay Adams that he hasn't been told he is the team's starting quarterback yet.
However, he is using it as motivation to become the best player he can and earn the spot.
"They haven’t told me," McCarthy said.
"I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day. I never want that to be given to me.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 - Free Agency begins
April 24-26 - NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 - 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 - Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 - End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 - Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California
"It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance and I’m just gonna make the most of it every single day."
Vikings fans want to see McCarthy as their starter and have shared these thoughts on social media.
"Can’t wait for my QB1 to start!" one fan said.
"Love the way he speaks. Seems like a great guy. Viking or not. JJ is the man," another fan said.
"I honestly think he will be great," a third fan said.
"He’s the starter!" a fourth fan said.
