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Whether the J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota will begin in Week 1 of the 2025 season remains to be seen.
But as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said, “If that’s the course of action we decide, we’ll go in there confidently.”
Adofo-Mensah fielded a slew of questions about the Vikings’ offseason plans from members of the media on Thursday.
By 2025, Sam Darnold will transition into the status of an unrestricted free agent, while McCarthy was absent throughout the season due to a knee injury incurred in the preseason.
Regarding McCarthy’s progress, Adofo-Mensah mentioned, “He’s out there on the field, throwing and undergoing training. He appears to be in great shape and is full of enthusiasm … He’s a young man who is completely devoted to football and thrives in the game environment. We are looking forward to what he can bring to the table. This upcoming offseason holds great significance for him. Following that, we will build on his progress.”
The year 2024 can be seen as a sort of redshirt year for McCarthy. Adofo-Mensah emphasized the mental growth McCarthy experienced during this period, comparing it to the vast amount of knowledge he accumulated as opposed to previous years in his football career. This significant leap in learning is to be anticipated given his youthful presence within the organization.
Adofo-Menssah stopped just short of declaring that the Vikings are ready to thrust the 21-year-old into the starting role.
“We’re really confident in him — his work ethic, and his preparation … but I can’t sit here and tell you I know anything for certain,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I know that I’m willing to believe in the person that we have. That position is about talent and preparation — and he’s got those things in spades.”
McCarthy’s injury paved the way for Darnold to win the starting job.
With Darnold under center throughout the 2024 season, Minnesota won 14 games — the most for a Vikings team since 1998.
Darnold, at times, looked so good that pundits began theorizing the team would be fielding offers on their injured rookie.
That idea might have made sense before the NFC wild-card game, but with Darnold’s disastrous play in the team’s 27-9 loss to the Rams, it now seems more far-fetched.