Entering their first year with JJ McCarthy under center, things are reportedly not starting well, and all signs could point right back to Aaron Rodgers.
A new quarterback is taking over the proud NFC North franchise, with second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy expected to be the starter.
Despite having an interest in re-signing Sam Darnold, the Vikings saw their starting quarterback from last season leave to sign a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. They then lost out on backup QB Daniel Jones.
Rumors surrounded Minnesota and Aaron Rodgers for some weeks during the offseason, but the team ultimately decided to take a different approach. Instead, the Vikings acquired Sam Howell from the Seahawks.
This may all blow up in their face with the recent report. One NFL insider has revealed some concerning thoughts about the Vikings’ quarterback situation.
Ross Tucker has spoken out about McCarthy and Minnesota. He doesn’t think the Vikings are extremely confident in the young signal caller.
“No matter what the Vikings say about J.J. McCarthy… they wanted [Sam] Darnold back,” Tucker said.
“And then when they weren’t going to get Darnold back, they wanted Daniel Jones back… As much as they’re ‘sold’ on J.J. McCarthy, they weren’t that sold… so [the Vikings] have some doubt.”
There are many reasons why the team may not be completely sold on McCarthy. The biggest issue is that they have no idea what they are getting since he has never played a single game. Another is how bad the growing pains will be before he figures it out.
Last season, McCarthy was unavailable for the entire year due to a knee injury that he suffered in the preseason. He missed a lot of valuable time in 2024.
Bringing in a veteran like Aaron Rodgers would’ve been an excellent move to help him learn.
NFL insider Ross Tucker believes the Vikings’ actions and attempts to secure other starting-caliber quarterbacks is a signal that they “have some doubts” about JJ McCarthy in Minnesota.
The Vikings had seemingly closed the door on Rodgers already this offseason, but it appears it might have opened just a tab with the recent report.
Rodgers has been flirting with signing with the Steelers for weeks, but no contract has been offered yet.
Things might be changing drastically.
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