The Minnesota Vikings have full confidence in J.J. McCarthy despite rumors suggesting that Aaron Rodgers could wait until August, thinking the young quarterback might not be ready after his knee injury.
A new report from Alec Lewis indicates that the Vikings are so comfortable with McCarthy that, although Rodgers is not ruled out in case of an emergency, they are currently willing to hand the reins to the young Michigan prospect, even if that means losing the chance to sign the former Super Bowl champion in free agency.
“Minnesota is comfortable enough with McCarthy to risk Rodgers signing with the New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers, or simply retiring. The Vikings’ moves in the last couple of months indicate they strongly believe in McCarthy’s trajectory. Not franchise-tagging Darnold was a choice. Deciding not to pay more than the Colts were willing to for Jones was a choice. Considering Rodgers and then backing McCarthy, at least for now, was a choice.”
Who will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback?
J.J. McCarthy will be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings unless there is a major setback in training camp or preseason. In fact, the possible uncertainty is mainly medical, as the young player is recovering from a serious knee injury. Despite this scenario, Lewis reiterates that the Vikings have seen enough.
“Committing to McCarthy now comes with risk, but the Vikings’ actions cement their belief that the risk has not yet risen to the level of needing to make a move. They could have been more aggressive in trying to keep Darnold. They could have offered Jones a more handsome contract. They could have signed Rodgers. But they didn’t. And they haven’t.”