J.J. McCarthy

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Vikings have rejected trade calls for J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy, after missing his entire rookie campaign with a knee injury, “enters the offseason” as Minnesota’s QB1, per Pelissero, adding that the Vikings are not pursuing Aaron Rodgers “at this time.” The Vikings are widely expected to add a veteran quarterback in the coming weeks, though Rodgers seems to be out of the equation as the Giants and Steelers pursue the 41-year-old two years removed from an Achilles rupture. McCarthy would certainly be set up for success in Kevin O’Connell’s QB-friendly system: The pass-catching trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson represent one of the best in the league. In his lone 2024 preseason appearance, McCarthy completed 11 of 17 attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. If the Vikings are truly out on Rodgers, his options have narrowed considerably.