One Viking Is Evidently Under the Gun This Season
J.J. McCarthy will turn the key to the Minnesota Vikings’ franchise this fall, and most fans are incredibly excited about him.
CBS Sports identified “under the gun” players for the 2025 season, and somewhat oddly, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy made the cut.
McCarthy missed his rookie season because of a torn meniscus but is a full go this spring and summer.
And according to CBS Sports, the young passer is under the gun to perform this year, more than most.
CBS Sports: J.J. McCarthy Is Under the Gun
Cody Benjamin named five under-the-gun players for 2025, and McCarthy pulled down the No. 4 ranking on his list.
He wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings essentially let Kirk Cousins walk in 2024 so they could prioritize a young arm like McCarthy. Then they let Sam Darnold walk this March to double down on McCarthy’s promise, despite multiple knee surgeries robbing the Michigan product of any real snaps as a rookie.”
“J.J.’s setup is undeniably spicy, making the Vikings a candidate to shake up the NFC North once more. That’ll still require the first-time starter enduring something of a brutal schedule to meet 2024-inflated expectations.”
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott received a mention on the list, one spot below McCarthy at No. 5.
Most 1st- or 2nd-Year QBs Afforded Grace
While McCarthy has fairly lofty expectations due to his 1st-Round draft stock in 2024, most rookie and second-year quarterbacks get a little leeway.
The Benjamin article treats McCarthy like a seasoned veteran. No other first- or second-year passers appeared on the list.
One must wonder why McCarthy is “under the gun” when he hasn’t even taken an NFL snap yet.
Vikings’ 14-3 Record Last Year Evidently Weighs Heavy
The only sensible theory? Minnesota finished 14-3 last season with Sam Darnold, who most labeled a “bust” before head coach Kevin O’Connell got his hands on him.
So, the mindset must be: if O’Connell could squeeze 14 wins from a season with Darnold, well, McCarthy better do something similar.
It’s the only thing to explain why a 22-year-old quarterback would be under the gun.
McCarthy Expectations
Overall, McCarthy will get his flowers if he plays competently by a young quarterback’s standards while keeping Minnesota relevant throughout the season. The team may have Super Bowl aspirations as early as now, but McCarthy guiding Minnesota to a winning record and playoff appearance would be enough to generate excitement for 2026 and beyond.
Always remember: the Vikings have four seasons to get this right for a Super Bowl until McCarthy can command $70 million via contract extension (if he’s good).
Most Under-the-Gun Player? Trevor Lawrence
Benjamin labeled Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the top under-the-gun player in 2025, which makes sense.
He explained, “Lawrence is in the peculiar position of having already secured a handsome financial commitment from the Jacksonville Jaguars, who gave him $275 million (!) last offseason, while potentially playing for his job under a new coach in Liam Coen. Hyperbolic? Consider the former No. 1 pick is already on his third coach, with almost as many career turnovers (68) as touchdown passes (69), entering Year 5 of a much-hyped career.”
“The Jaguars need him not only to be more available — he’s played hurt and/or missed time for much of the last two years — but more savvy to finally capitalize on a weak division. At least he now has the benefit of an ultra-gifted pass catching duo, with Travis Hunter joining Brian Thomas Jr. out wide.”
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson checked in at No. 2: “There’s a very strong case to be made that Richardson has already shown us who he is: an incredibly gifted but frustratingly erratic quarterback best suited for more time on the bench, perfecting his craft.”
“With the clock suddenly ticking in Indianapolis, where the Colts issued decent money to Daniel Jones as summer competition, Richardson at least has one more chance to translate his supersized athleticism into meaningful Sunday results. He only turns 23 this month, but it may be now or never in blue.”
Vikings organized team activities get cooking in six days.
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