Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings’ unspoken QB mystery rests on whether J.J. McCarthy will get a “C” slapped onto his chest. Put differently, whether the sophomore passer who is only 22 is an official team captain.
Last season, Sam Darnold was a captain. So, too, was Kirk Cousins one of the team’s captains while he was employed as the QB1. The key difference, of course, is that we’re talking about well-established veterans who had seen quite a bit in their NFL careers. Mr. McCarthy? Not as much. Complicating matters even further is the Vikings’ roster that’s well-stocked with accomplished, veteran talent.
The Vikings’ Unspoken QB Mystery
Recently, Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf spoke glowingly about his young passer’s leadership skills.
The conversation took place with Paul Allen, the well-respected Voice of the Vikings. Wilf’s thoughts on his young quarterback: “He has a gravitational pull as a leader, he really does. I think the way the players support him, I think it’s of course the talent is there. Coach O’Connell is glowing in his praises of how he’s handled everything to date. And from an off-the-field perspective, we couldn’t he happier.” Nate Porter Joins to Talk about the Vikings Schedule, Offseason, and Summer
Wilf follows up that assessment, “we’re going to be supporting J.J. to have him be the success we want him to be.”
Aug 3, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
McCarthy’s approach to his craft has made its way through the organization. Hearing teammates — both current and former — offer their praise isn’t unusual at this stage. Neither is it odd to see a coach lob a compliment or two in McCarthy’s direction.
Getting such a robust endorsement from ownership, however, is noteworthy. True, some of what Wilf is saying emanates from what gets relayed from O’Connell — something that’s openly acknowledged — but there’s nevertheless a sense that Wilf is passing along both firsthand praise while also speaking on behalf of the ownership more broadly (using the word “we,” for instance).
Which of the Vikings’ games in 2025 do you think will be the most challenging?
So, one could certainly insist that J.J. McCarthy is an unusually-qualified contender to be a captain. Not many 22-year-old players can do so, but McCarthy could be the rare exception.
The issue? There’s a ton of captain carryover from last season. Go ahead and take a look the Vikings’ website for who was wearing a “C” in 2024. Just take a look at the top photo. There are eight players. Only one — quarterback Sam Darnold — has been subtracted. Brian O’Neill, Justin Jefferson, Harrison Phillips, Josh Metellus, C.J. Ham, Andrew DePaola, and Harrison Smith are still around.
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and center Michael Jurgens (65) warm up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Ask yourself: among those players, who should forfeit their status as the captain? All offer tremendous leadership.
One could argue that we’re dealing with a simple one-for-one swap: Sam Darnold is gone, so give that “C” to J.J. McCarthy. Easy, right?
Well, not so fast.
Ryan Kelly is a leader. Jonathan Allen is a leader. Aaron Jones is a leader. Jonathan Greenard is a leader. Move through the roster; finding accomplished veterans who offer leadership isn’t exactly difficult. Does McCarthy really leapfrog these players?
We’re talking about players who are much older, have seen a lot more, and have accomplished quite a bit as pros.
Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) warms-up on the field Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, ahead of the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
By playing quarterback, J.J. McCarthy is stepping into a leadership position. It’s inherent to the job description. What remains to be seen is if he’ll officially earn that recognition in his sophomore season.
The Unanswered Mystery: Are the Vikings Hiding Something?
The most shocking aspect of the Vikings’ QB strategy isn’t just the current names but how the team has handled rumors and roster moves. Throughout the 2025 offseason, the Vikings were linked to veteran QBs like Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, and Carson Wentz, yet no deals materialized. Instead, the team seems content with the trio of McCarthy, Rypien, and Howell, with the potential to add another QB post-draft. This raises the question: Are the Vikings quietly building toward a bigger plan, or are they simply banking everything on McCarthy and the current backups?
Moreover, the Vikings’ decision to let Sam Darnold, who led the team to 14 wins in 2024 with 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns, walk without a contract extension signals immense confidence in McCarthy. However, this move also raises concerns that if McCarthy falls short of expectations, the Vikings could face significant risks at the most critical position on the field.
Conclusion: The Vikings’ QB Drama Unfolds
The Vikings’ QB mystery is a tale brimming with drama, blending young talent, undervalued backups, and bold strategic decisions. J.J. McCarthy is the centerpiece, but Brett Rypien, Sam Howell, and even Max Brosmer could play surprising roles in the 2025 season. With Kevin O’Connell’s leadership and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s resources, the Vikings are betting big on a bright future. Yet, the biggest question remains unanswered: Can this QB room propel the Vikings to a Super Bowl, or will this mystery become an insurmountable challenge?
Stay tuned, as the Vikings’ QB story promises even more surprises!