ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio indicated that head coach Kevin O’Connell was seeking more depth behind McCarthy, with the sense that O’Connell may have preferred McCarthy to sit longer and develop. Florio noted the tension tied to McCarthy’s 10th-overall selection and the Vikings’ concerns about backing him up.
McCarthy was drafted 10th overall after Minnesota traded up from No. 11 to avoid being leapfrogged by the Broncos at No. 12, who showed interest in Bo Nix. He played in only one preseason game due to a meniscus tear before ascending to the starting role the following season.
In 10 games this season, McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, battling injuries along the way. Behind him, the Vikings cycled through options, including Sam Howell (who was later traded) and Carson Wentz (signed as a veteran addition).
With Adofo-Mensah out and McCarthy in the spotlight, Minnesota faces meaningful offseason questions about how to fortify the quarterback room. The franchise could pursue a veteran to compete with McCarthy or reassess the roster to better support him for 2025.
The developments were summarized in a ClutchPoints piece titled “Vikings rumors: Kevin O’Connell wanted ‘something more’ behind JJ McCarthy in 2025,” which ties the GM firing to ongoing quarterback debates within the organization.
