The Minnesota Vikings are embracing a leap into uncertainty by betting on a rookie quarterback on a rookie-scale contract to lead the franchise forward.
After parting ways with Kirk Cousins, the team has strengthened its roster with notable free-agent signings and draft picks, setting the stage for J.J. McCarthy. However, skeptics remain as analysts weigh in on the team’s upcoming 2025 season.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicts the Vikings will struggle and fall out of playoff contention with an 8-9 record, pointing to McCarthy’s inexperience and the challenge of building chemistry with his key offensive weapons.
Moton also notes the tough schedule, with strong defenses within the NFC North and tough road games against teams like Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Los Angeles, coached by familiar faces who know McCarthy well.
On the other hand, NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks is optimistic about McCarthy’s potential, highlighting his size, arm talent, mobility, and winning mentality. Brooks believes McCarthy’s versatility as a playmaker and team-first attitude could help him exceed expectations and even outperform last year’s quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Ultimately, the Vikings’ success in 2025 will hinge on how well McCarthy adapts and performs, but the organization has put together a supportive environment that could make this rookie quarterback the key to a promising season.
