It’s a Done Deal for J.J. McCarthy
All the anxiety and head-scratching were for nil.
It’s a Done Deal for J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings signed rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Friday, two days before rookies report to training camp. Before the deal’s finalization, many wondered and hinted the youngster would hold out over an alleged contract dispute.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Sources: Minnesota Vikings No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy is signing a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $21.85 million that includes a $12.71 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option.”
In June, this rumor took the internet by storm, causing confusion about McCarthy’s status.
But the fuss was much ado about nothing, as McCarthy enters training camp with eyes on a QB1 or QB2 job in 2024. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah unearthed McCarthy out of Round 1 of April’s draft with the 10th overall pick after a trade up the board with the New York Jets. It’s a new era in the Twin Cities, as Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons in March.
Until April, Minnesota hadn’t drafted a quarterback in Round 1 since Teddy Bridgewater — 10 years ago. Many clamored for a new era and change at quarterback in the last few seasons, decrying the Cousins era as stale, and McCarthy represents the great hope after six seasons of Cousins’ tenure.
In April, before the draft, McCarthy was asked on Adam Schefter’s podcast about possibly joining the Vikings, and he replied, “It would mean the world just because Coach O’Connell, he’s a guy that I’d run through a brick wall for.”
“Everything that he wants to do with his football team is something I want to be a part of and obviously being the NFC North, being a Bears fan my entire life and being able to play at Soldier Field and stay in the Midwest and all that good stuff would be just a dream come true,” McCarthy added. “I love what they’re building. Obviously the weapons there are limitless and they got just a great thing going for them so it would be a blessing to be a part of it.”
The man got his wish.
At Michigan, McCarthy was notable for delivering in pressure-cooked situations and ranking among the NCAA’s top quarterbacks on 3rd Down. He checked in at 6’3″ and 219 pounds at the NFL Combine, shattering fears that his frame might be too lean. McCarthy is also mobile, which was a main criticism against McCarthy’s predecessor.
Earlier this week, tight end T.J. Hockenson sang McCarthy’s praises. “He’s been incredible. He’s grinding in the film room. He’s grinding in the classroom. He’s a baller on the field, obviously,” Hockenson said Tuesday. “But to have a guy, especially a rookie, come into a facility and to the league, you usually need to shut your mouth and go to work, and that’s exactly what he did. He’s earned the respect of a lot of guys in there.”
Hockenson added, “Obviously, we have Sam Darnold, who’s a baller and plays the game at a really high level, so it’ll be interesting what happens with those two. I’m excited that J.J.’s on our team. Like I said, he’s a leader. He did that in Michigan, and I’m sure that will carry over to the league just as well.”
The Vikings’ other 1st-Rounder, Dallas Turner, has not yet signed his rookie deal, but he should follow suit in the next 48 hours.
Minnesota has never started a rookie quarterback in Week 1, so McCarthy has a tall task this summer.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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