The J.J. McCarthy Mini-Saga Could Soon End
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is mere days from training camp and is not under contract.
The J.J. McCarthy Mini-Saga Could Soon End
Accordingly, many have wondered if he’ll sign his deal beforehand — otherwise, he cannot fully participate in the event.
And while the rumor mill has stipulated McCarthy wants his signing bonus upfront, his contract saga may end soon. Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling joined KFAN on Monday and said about McCarthy, “It’s one of those things where deadlines tend to spur action on this stuff. My guess is it is done late next week before they are on the field, especially for a guy like J.J. McCarthy, who they do not want missing time.”
Vikings training camp kicks off for rookies on Sunday.
“They want him out there absorbing as much as he possibly can, and I think that will put a little more of an urgency sort of thing into it,” Goessling added.
In June, Pioneer Press’ Charley Walters wrote about McCarthy’s situation, “Rumors persist that the rookie QB wants all of his signing bonus upfront with no deferrals.” That tidbit solidified rumors about McCarthy’s contract standing, and the young Viking was unsigned at the time of this article’s publication. The good news? Minnesota doesn’t need McCarthy to play Week 1 in September, nor is he really required at all in 2024. That’s why general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed Sam Darnold in March — to afford McCarthy time for growth and maturation. All signs point to Darnold out of the gate this season.
Meanwhile, four other 1st-Round rookies remain unsigned: Caleb Williams + Rome Odunze of the Chicago Bears and Amarius Mims from the Cincinnati Bengals. Plus, Minnesota’s Dallas Turner.
Also on Monday, Hall of Famer and former Vikings Randy Moss called upon the Vikings to start McCarthy in Week 1, hell or high water. “My thing is, when we played, the first three guys that drafted — they’re playing. There’s no if, ands, or buts about it. Now, the 5th and 6th Round, we’ll see. May or may not see the field. Maybe a special teamer. First three rounds back then were played,” Moss replied when asked about Darnold or McCarthy in Week 1 by Kay Adams.
“Now, we’re drafting guys in the 1st Round, and they’re not even seeing the field. To answer your question — I don’t care if he’s not ready. He needs to be out there. Week 1,” Moss continued by endorsing McCarthy.
McCarthy must be at training camp to effectuate Moss’ plan or anything close to it. And according to Goessling, his mini-contract saga may be nearing an end.
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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