Can J.J. McCarthy Get His Deal Done?

Vikings
Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL Draft. Watch as QB J.J. McCarthy addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center on Friday. The Vikings traded up one spot on the draftboard with the New York Jets for McCarthy.

All offseason, the focal point of the Minnesota Vikings’ narratives was whether Justin Jefferson would get his deal done. That has now been hammered out, but rookie J.J. McCarthy remains unsigned. How long is this going to linger?

Can J.J. McCarthy Get His Deal Done?

When Kirk Cousins decided to take the money and run, err, join the Atlanta Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings needed to turn over a new leaf. Sam Darnold was the short-term answer, and it’s J.J. McCarthy who is tabbed as the quarterback of the future. Despite having already participated in multiple minicamp practices, McCarthy has yet to agree on his rookie contract.

Reports have suggested he is looking for different bonuses and guarantees upfront. Typically, this isn’t a traditional practice for incoming rookies, and the longer it lingers, the more questions it presents. While McCarthy is a prominent figure on the Vikings roster, he isn’t expected to be a focal point in year one, and he should desire the ability to fly under the radar.

Vikings Top Draft Target
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after the 34-13 win over Washington to win the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

The expectation is that Sam Darnold will run with the starting quarterback role until his play warrants it being stripped from him. That means he could allow Minnesota to give McCarthy a redshirt year. McCarthy’s walking orders are in front of him, allowing for every opportunity to soak in as much information as possible, be a sponge, and not cause distractions.

There is no reason that any athlete shouldn’t capitalize on their earning potential. There is a finite period in which they will generate a payday. That being said, McCarthy looking for non-traditional guarantees from Minnesota isn’t an ideal out of the gate and should be something he wants to be resolved before training camp.

Deal
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Obviously, Justin Jefferson wanted no part of being a distraction once fans and media were in full throat at TCO Performance Center. He made that decision while already establishing himself as the best wide receiver in the league and seeking an earned payday. McCarthy doesn’t have any of those things to his credit yet, and the longer it plays out, the less goodwill gets created. A resolution appears imminent, but it needs to come to fruition.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.