When your organization makes a conscious decision to let a quarterback who just threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns just walk out the front door the next offseason, you know the expectations are going to be high for the next man under center.
That man is J.J. McCarthy. He is being tasked with trying to take a Minnesota Vikings team that went 14-3 last year to new heights by continuing to surround him with talent on the roster with a handful of aggressive moves this offseason.
Which begs the question… What should the expectations be for McCarthy in 2025
J.J. McCarthy’s situation entering the 2025 NFL season feels like a double-edged sword.
On one hand, he is stepping into one of the roster and coaching situations in the league. This offense features exceptional talents like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison to throw the ball to. Additionally, head coach Kevin O’Connell has proven over the last two years that he is capable of putting any quarterback who steps into his offense a chance of succeeding with exceptional playcalling.
Additionally, the defense was amongst the best units in the league last year under Brian Flores and arguably could get even better with the additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen along the interior of the defensive line unit.
On the other hand, Sam Darnold has now set an incredibly high bar for McCarthy to reach entering his first starting season under center. Similarly, Kirk Cousins had plenty of regular season success during his time in Minnesota, but never generated any memorable moments under center once the team entered the postseason. If you recall, the Minneapolis Miracle took place before Cousins arrived in Minnesota.
The last time we saw McCarthy on a football field in a meaningful game, he was winning a National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines. At least on the collegiate level, McCarthy was able to play winning football in big moments.
McCarthy has the physical tools and flashed the anticipation, pocket manipulation, and downfield accuracy in a pro style offense that project favorably to the NFL — but he still hasn’t even taken his first snap of regular season action at the pro level.
The Vikings feel like a complete wild card in the NFC entering the 2025 season because of the unknown production we are going to get from McCarthy this year.
If McCarthy replicates CJ Stroud’s first year under center in Houston, then the Vikings are Super Bowl contenders.
If McCarthy struggles in 2025, then it could create a little bit of uncertainty regarding his future as the franchise quarterback of the franchise entering his third year with the team.
