One of the decisions the Minnesota Vikings didnât 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 Minnesotaâs 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 McCarthyâs leadership and potential.
âI 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⊠heâs a maniac when it comes to football,â Bynum said.

Camryn Bynum #24 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the NFL playoff game at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
Bynum shares thoughts on McCarthyâs 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 McCarthyâs performance during training sessions, Bynum expressed how impressed he was with the rookieâs skills and dedication.

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âThe one thing that stood out to me was, as soon as he came in, he was throwing the ball downfield. Thatâs 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,â Bynum said of McCarthy.
Bynumâs comments provide hope for Vikings fans who previously saw promise in Sam Darnold but are now looking to McCarthyâs mentality to take the team further in the playoffs.
McCarthyâs recovery
McCarthy, who underwent two surgeries last year, is expected to return to action sooner than anticipated. According to the latest updates from the teamâs 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.





