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Ted Schwerzler: J.J. McCarthy Hasn’t Changed
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- Ted Schwerzler: J.J. McCarthy Hasn’t Changed
Brad Rempel
It's a problem that the Minnesota Vikings have seen such limited exposure of J.J. McCarthy. When they used a first round pick on him, the hope was that he could provide a path to the future for the most important position in sports.
Minnesota's Quarterback Competition Hasn't Changed McCarthy's Ways
Unfortunately, he has continued to be hurt and ineffective to the point that it hasn't happened. The Arizona Cardinals cast off Kyler Murray, which allowed a proven veteran to fall into their laps. Now, participating in OTAs together for the first time this summer, McCarthy remains the same guy.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Beyond just being injured, J.J. McCarthy has been his own worst enemy at times. Whether opening his mouth and uttering a brutal comment or flaunting his emotion and becoming a viral meme, the former Michigan Wolverine leaves plenty to be desired. He didn't turn away from that in his first offseason opportunity either.
Two quarterbacks are vying for starting reps with the Minnesota Vikings this season. From the outset, it's clear that one of them knows how to handle that, and the other does not. It shouldn't be surprising, given Murray's tenure in the league and his own adversity, but, shockingly, McCarthy remains the same immature kid.
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Last season was supposed to represent McCarthy taking over the reins. Minnesota let both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones walk. They went with their 10th overall pick and got just 10 games of action , including a 57.6% completion percentage, 1,632 yards, and an 11/12 TD/INT ratio. To say McCarthy was bad would be putting it lightly.
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Plenty of insiders have tried to paint the Vikings quarterback situation as a competition this summer. That'd be great if it played out. Of course, that would require McCarthy to have self-awareness, and he continues to exhibit none.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who the Vikings' next quarterback is as long as they have someone who can be here for the long haul. Right now, that's a question, but it certainly doesn't look like the youngster is the answer.
