GOOD-NEWS: Positive Addition As Vikings J.J. McCarthy Expected to be Cleared for Spring Practices As New No 1QB

The Minnesota Vikings are seemingly ready to move on from their 2024 starting quarterback, but there’s positive news regarding the player they envision as their long-term solution at the position.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, J.J. McCarthy is expected to be cleared for spring practices, positioning him to take over as the Vikings’ starting quarterback when mini-camps begin after this year’s NFL Draft.

McCarthy’s rookie season was cut short after just one preseason appearance due to a torn meniscus, which led to surgery and a stint on injured reserve. That paved the way for Sam Darnold, who thrived under coach Kevin O’Connell’s system and is now poised to land a lucrative contract in free agency.

With the Vikings unable to secure a trade deal for Darnold, he is expected to attract attention from several teams, with the Seattle Seahawks emerging as the most likely destination following their trade of Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.

As for the Vikings’ quarterback situation, McCarthy is set to enter the spring sessions as the clear No. 1 QB on the depth chart, prompting the team to search for a backup. There are reports that the Vikings are interested in bringing Daniel Jones back, but other teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, are also eyeing Jones as a potential solution to their quarterback needs.

With the “legal tampering” period of free agency just around the corner, it won’t be long before we see how these quarterback situations unfold.