Story by
NFL Insider Confirms When JJ McCarthy is Expected Back for Vikings
- Story by
- NFL Insider Confirms When JJ McCarthy is Expected Back for Vikings
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings are watching the Super Bowl tonight from home just like the rest of us, something we have become very much used to in this town. But Sunday night, a champion will be crowned and on Monday, every team in the league will turn their focus to the NFL offseason.
For the Vikings the biggest question over the next month or two will be at quarterback. Sam Darnold is scheduled to be a free agent in March and he's played himself into discussions for a huge contract extension, one that Minnesota can't really afford to pay him.
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
But will the Vikings franchise tag Sam before he can hit the open market? That depends on how much head coach Kevin O'Connell trusts No. 10 overall pick JJ McCarthy to be their starting quarterback, coming off of two meniscus surgeries.
Advertisement
Minnesota Vikings will have a starting caliber veteran QB next season
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) , the Minnesota Vikings are keeping the franchise tag on the table for Darnold, in case his price gets too high in free agency. But even if they don't hold onto Sam, the Minnesota Vikings will bring in a veteran starting-caliber QB as an insurance policy for McCarthy.
And just as with Cousins last year, it only takes one team to offer Darnold a contract that the Vikings simply don't feel comfortable matching. If the Vikings and Darnold can't work out a deal before March 4, the franchise tag — or even a tag-and-trade — are among several options. But it's too early in the process to know where this ends.
If Darnold leaves, the Vikings will add a veteran insurance policy, with Daniel Jones among the logical options after spending the last half of the season in Minnesota.
Related: JJ McCarthy Ahead of Schedule and Ready to Go for Vikings Offseason
Recently, insiders have started reporting on McCarthy's timeline. His people told Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP) that they're 100% confident he'll be ready by the start of the regular season, others have him reported that he's ready to go for this offseason too.
Advertisement
JJ McCarthy recovery timeline confirmed
Well on Sunday, Pelissero confirmed those earlier reports, noting that McCarthy is expected to be a full participant at organized team activities, come mid-late May. The well-known NFL Network insider also reports that JJ will begin on-field workouts again in the "the next few weeks".
McCarthy, who had a full repair of his torn meniscus in August and an additional procedure in November, is expected to begin football drills in the next few weeks and should be ready to roll by OTAs in May.
While they Minnesota Vikings may be planning to hand the reins over to JJ McCarthy in 2025, it's clear that next season will be about winning, above all else. Whether it is Sam Darnold or another veteran quarterback, there will be competition for McCarthy in camp. Even if he is healthy, he'll have to earn his starting role.
