After being forced to miss his entire rookie year due to a knee injury, McCarthy is set to be the team's starter this season. Sam Darnold left town in free agency and the Vikings opted to pass on veteran options to move forward with the former Michigan standout.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell gives an honest assessment of J.J. McCarthy, highlighting his development.

The more I keep looking at each team, if J.J. McCarthy plays well, this thing is built for success.” Yet it all comes down to that big “if” that Romo mentioned — McCarthy, The Vikings are placing their fate in the hands of a baby-faced 22-year-old quarterback who only started two years at Michigan and averaged just 22 passes per game.

Most analysts agree that the Vikings will only go as far in 2025 as McCarthy can take them, which ESPN analyst and former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum believes is pretty far. More NFL: Odell Beckham Jr. Sparks Steelers Rumors With Aaron Rodgers Comments

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is confident heading into his first season starting under center. "I think I'm one of the most accurate guys out there," McCarthy said Thursday, via ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

J.J. McCarthy's return to the Minnesota Vikings was short but solid. The quarterback, who missed his rookie season due to a knee injury, led a scoring drive in a 20-10 victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy made an honest remark during training camp as he looks forward to his debut season.

McCarthy had one of his best days of training camp on Thursday in the second of two joint practices with New England.