"J.J. McCarthy had done enough" - NFL insider weighs in on Vikings' QB situation amid Aaron Rodgers rumors

The J.J. McCarthy era is about to begin in Minneapolis as the Minnesota Vikings prepare to welcome back their young quarterback from his devastating meniscal tear last preseason. Albert Breer has more insight into why the organization is confident in McCarthy.

In a Monday feature for Sports Illustrated, Breer wrote:

"McCarthy had done enough, at that point, to at least provoke discussion in the Minnesota building."

Breer also released head coach Kevin O'Connell's comments on seeing McCarthy's promise gradually manifesting itself during camp, much to his and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's delight:

“His overall understanding of our offense, the comfort level, even in the reps, whether it was versus the No. 1 defense or in competitive situations in practice, you were starting to see him play faster but under control while still maintaining the principles that we’re coaching,” O’Connell said.

This comes amidst recent reports that Aaron Rodgers had pitched himself joining the Vikings to both compete for one last shot at a Super Bowl title and mentor McCarthy, only to be rebuffed as the organization opted to give the sophomore "runway to seize the job."

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Vikings meet with two of J.J. McCarthy's ex-Michigan teammates ahead of draft

Defensive back is the top priority for the Vikings as the draft looms. Stephon Gilmore's relapse into free agency has created a hole at one cornerback position, while Camryn Bynum's departure for the Indianapolis Colts leaves a safety spot beside returning veteran Harrison Smith open.

And for the former, they are eyeing Will Johnson, one of J.J. McCarthy's most important teammates at Michigan. Darren Wolfson, a correspondent for ABC's Twin Cities affiliate KSTP, reported on Monday that secondary coach Daronte Jones observed the nine-interception stud during the Wolverines' pro day:

Pro Football Focus' scouting report on him reads:

"(Johnson) has some of the quickest feet you will see. ... His frame is leaner and lighter, but he still shows decent effort in run defense. Strength and tackling aren't his strong suits, though."

However, as it turns out, the organization is also looking for more depth at running back despite extending Pro Bowler Aaron Jones and trading for Jordan Mason. That same day, Ian Rapoport reported that they also hosted another former McCarthy teammate, Kalel Mullings, who exploded for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024 after playing linebacker in his first three seasons.