Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sets record straight on what J.J. McCarthy’s rookie year would have been if he didn’t get injured
Last offseason, training camp was a spectacle despite the Minnesota Vikings trying to downplay a quarterback competition that everyone wanted to see throughout the course of training camp.
What we ended up getting was Sam Darnold as the starting quarterback with J.J. McCarthy firmly at number two. As training camp progressed, McCarthy started to get more and more snaps with the first-team, leading into his dynamite preseason performance against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Unfortunately, McCarthy tore his meniscus, ending his season prematurely.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah reveals initial plans for J.J. McCarthy’s rookie season
Before the injury, it felt like McCarthy was making a big case to be the starting quarterback from day one. Now, Darnold played incredibly well last season, which raises even more questions about when McCarthy would have taken over, if at all.
During a rare appearance, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah told Access Vikings that the plan was to have McCarthy sit the season to learn.
“You know, I think it’d be hard for me to talk about that just alone, because you have a QB PhD or QB Nobel laureate (Kevin O’Connell). And so we had just constant dialogue and conversations about what we wanted for J.J. that year, and he started exceeding that pretty quickly. You know, we’re really, we’re pretty clear, I think, publicly, that we didn’t want him to play, not because he wouldn’t play, but we just thought for the life, for the kind of the better success of his career spirit to sit and watch. And so he kind of pushed, he was pushing a little bit in terms of maybe becoming the backup, or different things like that, but just the day over day growth that he would show he’s so coachable. You give him a coaching point, he’s going to go home and make sure that that coaching point is you really saw things like that. And he was on the count, we were excited about that again.
“He had that great first preseason game. The preseason people remember the Raiders played their first team. Played their first team defense while he was a little bit of a glimpse to see him against regular season NFL-type players, we just loved it. And not only just the play, but how he played through the interception, if people remember, just talk to the coaches, it was just a positivity and a joy that he played with, and he was going to come back, and he had that great recovery moments that matter, not necessarily that he came over the sideline, got his coaching, took it, and then went out there and played with his teammates. So that was an exciting time for us.”
What’s interesting is how Adofo-Mensah framed his answer. He used the word “publicly” when discussing whether or not McCarthy was going to play. That gives him an out to actually divulge more, because you don’t like to share any more than you have to.
With Adofo-Mensah’s public comments, you can read between the lines and figure out exactly what he means. What he meant here was: the plan was to sit him, but we might switch that up if new information comes to the forefront.
As things sit, the Vikings ended up getting what they wanted with McCarthy sitting the entire season.
McCarthy’s Role in 2025: Ready to Lead
Despite not playing in 2024, McCarthy has shown promising signs in his recovery and preparation. Adofo-Mensah noted in January 2025 that McCarthy was “on the field, throwing and training. He looks great.” The quarterback himself expressed confidence, stating, “I know I’m ready to start,” signaling his readiness to take on the starting role in 2025.
The Vikings’ acquisition of Sam Howell as the backup quarterback further underscores their commitment to McCarthy as the starter. Adofo-Mensah revealed that the team conducted extensive research on Howell before the 2022 NFL Draft, indicating a strategic move to ensure depth behind McCarthy without disrupting his path to the starting role.
Addressing Doubters and Setting Expectations
While some NFL insiders and analysts have expressed concerns about McCarthy’s readiness, citing his uneven performance during OTAs and skepticism from anonymous executives, Adofo-Mensah remains steadfast. He dismissed doubts about McCarthy’s potential, emphasizing the quarterback’s work ethic and ability to prove doubters wrong, as he did during his time at Michigan. “He’s going to go home and give everything he’s got,” Adofo-Mensah said, highlighting McCarthy’s dedication.
The Vikings’ leadership sees McCarthy as the cornerstone of their future, with Adofo-Mensah’s recent multiyear contract extension signaling the organization’s commitment to his vision. Owner Mark Wilf praised Adofo-Mensah’s leadership, stating, “Kwesi’s leadership, vision, and collaboration with our coaching staff has positioned the Minnesota Vikings for sustained success.”
A New Era for the Vikings
As the Vikings prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on McCarthy to deliver on the promise of this unprecedented plan. With a revamped offense, a supportive coaching staff, and a general manager willing to make bold decisions, McCarthy is poised to lead the Vikings into a new era. While challenges remain, including the pressure of living up to expectations in a playoff-contending team, Adofo-Mensah’s confidence in McCarthy’s football character and the team’s unique development strategy could make this “unprecedented” plan a blueprint for success in the NFL.