Latest news with #JMcCarthy
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vikings Could Replace Prominent QB With Veteran During Training Camp
Vikings Could Replace Prominent QB With Veteran During Training Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Vikings would probably be among the Super Bowl favorites if they had a surefire QB heading into Week 1, but that isn't the case — at least not yet. Advertisement A steady stream of optimism continues to flow outward from the organization with regards to 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has reportedly asked a good deal of the prospective starter during the preseason, both from physical and mental standpoints of preparation. As the No. 10 overall pick in 2024 on a relatively cheap salary ($22 million over four years) in comparison to the pay scale of veteran starters across the league, McCarthy and the value he represents are key cogs in the Vikings' championship plans. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. Krohn-Imagn Images All that is to say McCarthy probably has at least a couple years of runway to find his footing, develop and make magic in Minnesota. Advertisement However, after he missed the entirety of his rookie campaign with a knee injury, the Vikings must take their backup QB situation seriously. Executing a fifth-round pick swap for fourth-year signal-caller Sam Howell with the Seattle Seahawks wasn't Minnesota being flippant about its quarterback room, but the lack of a viable veteran in the on the roster has raised some questions. Brett Rypien is QB3 and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is QB4, meaning the entire position group in Minnesota has a total of 22 starts under its belt and a record of 7-15. Furthermore, the average age of the QB room will be 24.75 years once Howell celebrates his 25th birthday in mid-September. Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Nicholson-Imagn Images Judd Zulgad of the "SKOR North" podcast said in June that none of this is lost on Vikings leadership. However, Minnesota won't likely take any action until the team gets a better sense of its QB situation during training camp, which begins later this month. Advertisement "I guess the wildcard here is what does Howell show in training camp?" Zulgad said. "Does Howell firmly take hold of the No. 2 position and prove he belongs there? Do the Vikings say, 'You know what? There might be better options?'" Alec Lewis of The Athletic said on Wednesday that arm talent isn't the issue for Howell, but rather his in-play processing skills. "He can make countless throws," Lewis wrote. "Decision-making remains the question." Should that question persist into August, Minnesota could consider trading for Kirk Cousins or pursuing a free-agent option such as Ryan Tannehill or Carson Wentz. Related: Vikings Get Unfortunate Injury Update on $104 Million Starter This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Vikings tight end raves about JJ McCarthy, says quarterback 'has that switch' and 'insane' arm
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The biggest question heading into training camp for the Minnesota Vikings revolves around quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team's first-round pick who didn't get to touch the field during the regular season last year due to a torn meniscus. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and the rest of the organization have been adamant that McCarthy, the Michigan Wolverines product, is their guy moving forward despite other options being on the table. The team's words were backed by not signing a true veteran competitor that could overshadow McCarthy heading into the season, nor drafting a quarterback. After completing mandatory minicamp, McCarthy has been impressing his teammates with what he can do on the field. He was in meeting rooms and on the sidelines all last season, but now he's the guy tight end T.J. Hockenson is already excited for everyone to see what he can do. "That's my dog," Hockenson told Fox News Digital of McCarthy while attending the fifth annual Tight End University (TEU), the three-day summit run by NFL stars Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olsen. "He is one of the best people I have been around. Just a young guy that's hungry and wants to learn, he wants to get better. I mean, he's making a trip down here soon, and so he wants to be great in this league and I respect that and he is willing to do the things and the hard things it takes to be great." Hockenson truly believes McCarthy has a bright future in front of him, and he said he wants to be there "every step of the way to help him navigate and help him become who he can be" on and off the field. But McCarthy is a year removed from competitive football, begging the question of what will the Vikings get exactly from the quarterback position. Last season, O'Connell found all of Sam Darnold's strengths, as the ex-New York Jets third overall pick had a career season in Minnesota. Perhaps that's exactly what the Vikings are hoping happens with McCarthy as well. Hockenson does believe he possesses what's needed to be great, though. "He's got that switch. He turns that on when he gets on the field," he explained. "You don't really notice that when you're just hanging out and talking with him, but he really wants it. He really wants everything to be perfect, and he's a perfectionist for sure, which is awesome. That is how you need to be as a quarterback in this league." Hockenson also said McCarthy's "arm talent is insane," which was a knock by some evaluators coming out of college. "You know, [the ball] zips on you and he can spin it. It's been a lot of fun to see him in OTAs, and [I] can't wait to get out there with him in camp and throughout the season." In the meantime, Hockenson returned to TEU to continue strengthening his bond with his fellow tight ends across the league. It's easy for Hockenson, who lives just 15 minutes away in the offseason, so he makes it a point to come here, get work in, and learn among his peers who also want to get better. "Coming here and having all the guys, it's good to be around Travis, be around George. I mean, I'm around [Kittle] every day, we're around each other every day. To see some of the guys off the field, and really make the connection, really meet them outside of football it's a lot of fun. So that's what I try to get out of it every year, learning some things on the field, some tidbits, helping guys each year, and then being able to make those connections and build relationships off the field with those guys." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fox Sports ranks Bo Nix below J.J. McCarthy among NFL quarterbacks
What more does Bo Nix have to do? That is perhaps what a reader would think as they read this article by Henry McKenna for McKenna compiled a list of the top 32 quarterbacks in the NFL based on the 'stock' they have following their franchises' offseason moves. McKenna has Broncos quarterback Nix ranked behind Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Advertisement McCarthy became the tenth pick in the 2024 NFL draft: two spots ahead of Nix. However, McCarthy did not play due to injury last season. But, check out the reasons why McKenna selected McCarthy over Nix. 'Here's a guy who quickly learned how to eliminate bad plays. Nix is boring," McKenna wrote. "But if he can stay in a good system with a good supporting cast, there's no reason why he won't be the next Jared Goff — and maybe even with a little more athleticism.' As for McCarthy? 'You could put just about anyone in the Vikings' QB slot, and I'd get excited about him," McKenna argued. "But McCarthy was a top-10 pick in what's shaping up to be an incredible QB class. This year, McCarthy might look like 2023 Brock Purdy — an athletic point guard with an idyllic supporting cast.' Advertisement McCarthy is ranked No. 12 while Nix is ranked No. 14. Interesting to say the least; but everyone and every platform is entitled to their opinions. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL QB rankings: Fox Sports ranks Bo Nix below J.J. McCarthy
New York Times
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Vikings mailbag: Submit your post-OTAs and minicamp questions for Alec Lewis
The quietest time of the Minnesota Vikings' calendar is upon us. Players have gone home. Coaches are gearing up for what should be a fascinating season. It's the perfect time to answer some questions. Curious about J.J. McCarthy following OTAs and minicamp? Do you have questions about some of the young players or recent draftees? Toss any questions you want answered below, and we'll return early next week with as many answers as we can get to! Alec Lewis June 19, 2025 4:51 pm EDT
CBS News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Vikings' 2025 training camp features night session, joint practices with Patriots
The Minnesota Vikings announced their 2025 training camp schedule Tuesday, with a dozen practices open to fans and plenty of ancillary activities. Training camp opens July 26 and runs through Aug. 14 at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. While camp will open at noon for fans most days, there is one night practice set for Aug. 4. July 28 will mark the first padded practice. The final two open practices — Aug. 13 and 14 — will be held jointly with the New England Patriots. Season ticket members can attend all but the night practice for free. Tickets for older children are $5, while adults will pay $10. The night practice will cost an additional $5 per ticket. Every practice is free for children under 3 feet tall. Ticket reservations open up to the general public at 10 a.m. Tuesday, with 4,000 available for each daytime session and 7,000 on offer for the night practice. In addition to witnessing on-field work, attendees can snag autographs from their favorite players, visit the Vikings Museum, play games and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Training camp will offer fans a chance to see new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as well as several other new faces on the offense and defense. The Vikings' first preseason game is set for Aug. 9 at home against the Houston Texans. They open the regular season with Monday Night Football in Chicago on Sept. 8.
