The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2025 NFL season with a new face at the helm. They are turning to an inexperienced quarterback, who hasn’t played a single NFL snap owing to a knee injury in the 2024 preseason opener.

After missing the entirety of his rookie season because of a torn meniscus, J.J. McCarthy is set to take over as the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback this year. McCarthy is the only one of the six quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft that did not see playing time during his rookie season.

If Minnesota Vikings fans were hoping that second-year quarterback JJ McCarthy would step in and seamlessly replace Sam Darnold, it might be time to

All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson touched upon what Vikings supporters and NFL fans alike should expect from J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

Colin Cowherd has been a vocal critic of J.J. McCarthy, even before the 2024 NFL draftee set foot on the field. After losing his rookie season due to a torn meniscus, which opened the door for Sam Darnold to lead the team to a 14-win season, McCarthy is back and ready to emulate or improve Darnold's performance.

Outside of Jefferson, Minnesota, boasts elite offensive talent like Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and T.J. Hockenson. McCarthy will be well supported this season. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, Jefferson spoke out with his feelings about McCarthy. He tempered expectations from Vikings fans about the young quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson has spent a significant amount of time this offseason with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, aiming to build chemistry both on and off the field.

Vikings mailbag: J.J. McCarthy’s timeline to start, expectations for Sam Darnold and more By Alec Lewis June 28, 2024Updated Sept. 8, 2024