One of the decisions the Minnesota Vikings didn’t hesitate to make was naming JJ McCarthy their starting quarterback. Rumors about Aaron Rodgers joining the team have already been put to rest, and now the focus is squarely on preparing for the 2025 season.
With Sam Darnold no longer on the roster and McCarthy recovering from a season-ending injury last year, the Vikings are hopeful for a stronger performance next year. McCarthy appears to be the key to their main goal: securing a playoff spot in 2025.
Amid the comments that led to Minnesota’s decision to stick with McCarthy, former teammate Camryn Bynum, who recently joined the Indianapolis Colts, spoke to Good Morning Football and shared his thoughts on McCarthy’s leadership and potential.
“I trust him. The J.J. I know is a leader first and foremost. Even though when he came in, he was still a young guy. He was competing with Sam for the QB spot. But the way he carried himself as a leader, the way he listened, stayed humble, and stayed on the right track… he’s a maniac when it comes to football,” Bynum said.
Bynum shares thoughts on McCarthy’s impact for the Vikings
With high expectations for the upcoming season, Vikings former safety Camryn Bynum offered strong praise for McCarthy and his potential to help the team achieve its goals in 2025. Reflecting on McCarthy’s performance during training sessions, Bynum expressed how impressed he was with the rookie’s skills and dedication.
“The one thing that stood out to me was, as soon as he came in, he was throwing the ball downfield. That’s something I respected out of a rookie. Then, even after his injury, he was in the defensive team meeting room, trying to learn our defense,” Bynum said of McCarthy.
Bynum’s comments provide hope for Vikings fans who previously saw promise in Sam Darnold but are now looking to McCarthy’s mentality to take the team further in the playoffs.
McCarthy’s recovery
McCarthy, who underwent two surgeries last year, is expected to return to action sooner than anticipated. According to the latest updates from the team’s medical staff, he has already begun football drills again. However, it will likely take until May to determine if McCarthy is fully recovered and ready to lead the offense, or if the Vikings will need to seek a backup quarterback.