J.J. McCarthy

Vikings signed No. 10 overall pick QB J.J. McCarthy to a four-year, $21.85 million contract.

McCarthy’s deal includes $12 million in guaranteed money. The former Michigan Wolverine and 2023 national champion will eventually take the mantle as Minnesota’s franchise quarterback, but it’s unknown how long he could be asked to sit before doing so. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis said earlier this offseason that McCarthy “definitely” won’t start Week 1, which isn’t surprising given how scouts viewed McCarthy during the predraft process. While the arm strength and intangibles are all there, McCarthy is considered by many to be a project as far as a prospect is concerned. He’ll get his shot to start at some point in the season, as Sam Darnold is unlikely to hold him off for a full 17 games, but fantasy managers who drafted McCarthy will need to be patient. He’s best left on waivers in standard 1QB leagues, but could offer some upside down the line as a stash in superflex or best ball leagues.