Minnesota Vikings are happy with JJ McCarthy as their start -quarterback in the middle of the Aaron Rodgers rumors in free agency -so far.
The Vikings have reportedly rejected several trade calls on McCarthy and will move on with 2024 first round elections as their start-quarterback, per. An NFL network report Wednesday.
The report also said the Vikings are planning to add a veteran -quarterback with McCarthy, but does not pursue Rodgers “at this time.”
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New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up to the Buffalo Bills game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, October 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
With the Vikings currently not in the pursuit of Rodgers, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are seen as the two teams that can sign the four-time MVP if Rodgers chooses to play next season.
McCarthy flashed in the forth season last year when he finished 11 of 17 passes in 188 yards and two touchdowns and no interception. The 22-year-old, however, tore his meniscus in this preseason game and underwent season ending in August.
McCarthy’s injury left Sam Darnold as the undisputed starter that went into the season.
Darnold thrived as he led the team to a 14-3 record. He finished just over 66% of his passports in 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns and 12 cuts.
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Michigan Quarterback JJ McCarthy answers questions from the media during the NFL scout will be combined on March 1, 2024 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. (Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite the incredible success that Darnold had, his last two performances left much to be desired. In week 18, the Vikings played the Detroit Lions, with the NFC North title and No. 1 seed on the line. The Vikings lost, 31-9, and Darnold fought mighty and finished only 18 of 41 passes in 166 yards.
This loss sent the Vikings to the Wild-Card game instead of the important first round bye, playing Los Angeles Rams and lost 27-9. Darnold also fought in that game.
The 27-year-old completed 25-40 passes in 245 yards while throwing a touchdown and an eavesdropping. He was fired over nine times.
Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold and head coach Kevin O’Connell before the game against the Detroit Lions at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on October 20, 2024. (Jeffrey Becker-Preferred Pictures)
Perhaps these two games affected the Vikings’ decision to leave Darnold in free agency, signing a three-year $ 100.5 million contract with Seattle Seahawks to replace Geno Smith as their start quarterback.
With Darnold out of the photo, and the team is not currently pursuing Rodgers, head coach Kevin O’Connell looks ready to hand out the starting quarterback job to McCarthy.
HOWEER, if the Vikings increase their persecution of rodgers, if he remains unsigned, it can signal that the team is not ready to hand over the reins to McCarthy.
