Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Deemed an ‘Instant Upgrade’ for Minnesota

 
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One of the best-case scenarios for the Minnesota Vikings would be J.J. McCarthy being a huge upgrade over Sam Darnold.
The Minnesota Vikings have an interesting quarterback situation heading into the new season, as they wait to see what J.J. McCarthy has to offer. McCarthy, of course, was out for his entire rookie season, so the 2025 season will pretty much count as his rookie time with the team.

Heading into the 2025 season, McCarthy could really shine and bring some major success for the Vikings. Or, it could all be a bust. Let’s hope the former is the case. Now, one NFL expert is looking at what the Minnesota Vikings have going for them this year, and McCarthy could be a significant part of that.

 
J.J. McCarthy Could Work Out Better Than Sam Darnold
In a June 16 feature for Bleacher Report, Alex Ballentine names the best- and worst-case case scenarios for each team in the NFL heading into the new season. Of course, these are just projections, so take them for what they are, some fun predictions and observations. But, it’s also a helpful tool to brace for some possibilities in the season.

In the story, he notes that “it’s an offensive league and every front office goes into the offseason with a vision for how it will improve the unit for the next season.” He adds to “just look at how much money and resources teams are willing to pour into finding a quarterback, building an offensive line and retaining a star receiver.”

So, what’s the best-case scenario for the Vikings? Ballentine says that McCarthy being an “instant upgrade over Sam Darnold” would be the best-case scenario. In the piece, he praises the Vikings and says “there aren’t many weaknesses” for the team “on paper.”

“One of the only things that could slow them now is J.J. McCarthy’s development. The 22-year-old missed his rookie year with a meniscus tear, clearing the way for Darnold’s comeback season,” Ballentine says.

“Theoretically, the environment is set up even better for McCarthy, the Vikings added Will Fries, Donovan Jackson and Ryan Kelly to form a new trio on the interior of the offensive line,” he adds. “If McCarthy can step into the role behind that offensive line with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones at his disposal, Minnesota will be formidable.”

 
Some Possible Problems for the Minnesota Vikings
So, what’s the very worst-case scenario for the Vikings? Ballentine says there could be run game struggles behind the team’s new offensive line.

“The Vikings clearly felt they needed to upgrade the interior offensive line this offseason,” he notes. “Creating a new starting trio in one offseason is a drastic move that should make the offense better.”

However, Ballentine has “some questions inside the tackles” and notes that “Jackson will need to prove himself as a rookie and Fries is ‘on track to be ready for camp,'” but he’s “still recovering from the fractured tibia he suffered last season. Kelly is 32 and hasn’t played all 17 games in a season the last two years.”

So, there are some questions, but hopefully the Minnesota Vikings have answers.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson