No matter what Minnesota does about its quarterback situation this offseason, J.J. McCarthy just wants one thing from the Vikings.
“All I can ask for is a fair opportunity,” McCarthy told “The Rich Eisen Show” on Tuesday. “That’s the one thing that I feel like everybody’s given, and it’s fundamental.”
The 2024 10th overall pick was competing to be Minnesota’s starter last year before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Sam Darnold took advantage of the situation with a career-best campaign, recording 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 102.5 quarterback rating while helping the Vikings exceed expectations.
Darnold is a pending unrestricted free agent. If the Vikings bring him back, they could sign him to a lucrative deal or use the franchise tag, which is projected to be $41.5 million, according to Over the Cap. However, McCarthy isn’t overly concerned about how Darnold’s situation could impact him.
“I really just have to focus on what I can control,” McCarthy said. “My feelings don’t matter. I’m not getting any grace. There’s no sympathy. This is the big leagues.”
McCarthy said he’s back to running and throwing following his injury. He added that he’s spoken with head coach Kevin O’Connell, although he emphasized that their discussions have focused on what’s best for the team.
“Our conversations have just been about nothing but the greatest thing for the Minnesota Vikings,” McCarthy said. “At the end of the day, there are a lot of things that are certainly above my pay grade, and some things (are) above his pay grade.”
McCarthy was the only quarterback selected in the top 10 of the 2024 draft not to see extensive playing time last season. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Michael Penix each made at least three starts in 2024.
The Vikings finished 14-3 last season. They lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.
