J.J. McCarthy Releases Statement After Vikings Pass on Aaron Rodgers

The Minnesota Vikings were mentioned as a top suitor for Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks. However, after all of the rumors and speculation, the front office decided to pass on the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Instead, the Vikings are focused on building around young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He is the clear face of the future, although there are concerns about throwing him into the fire in 2025.

McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. He missed out on a lot of important development. Following the departure of Sam Darnold, he will now have a chance to take over as the starter in Minnesota and will be facing major pressure.

While the team will not sign Rodgers, at least for now, the Vikings are interested in adding a veteran quarterback alongside of McCarthy. Ryan Tannehill is a name that has come up as a potential option.

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Regardless of who Minnesota brings in, if the veteran is along the lines of Tannehill, McCarthy should end up winning the starting job. Kevin O'Connell has not named McCarthy as his starter, which is something McCarthy is thankful about.

After the Vikings decided to move forward with him as their guy, McCarthy has spoken out with a statement about competing for the starting job. It's clear that he is excited and ready to compete.

"I'm happy they didn't because I try to earn it every single day. I never want that to be given to me," McCarthy said about not being named the starter yet.

During his final season with the Michigan Wolverines to end his college career, McCarthy led his team to a national championship. He's a proven leader and winner.

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He completed 72.3 percent of his pass attempts for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions. In addition, he chipped in with 202 yards and three scores on the ground.

There is no question that the potential and talent is there for McCarthy to become a special NFL quarterback. Minnesota clearly sees enough on him to pass on one of the best signal callers of all-time.

All of that being said, the stage has been set for McCarthy. He will still need to win the starting job, but it's his position to lose moving into the future.

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