J.J. McCarthy Rumors: Vikings 'Extremely Wary About Rushing' QB After NFL Draft 2024

The Minnesota Vikings will be cautious with quarterback J.J. McCarthy throughout his rookie season.

According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, the Vikings are "extremely wary" about rushing McCarthy onto the field and "all indications" are that the team will begin training camp with veteran Sam Darnold starting under center.

Minnesota selected McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Six quarterbacks were taken with the first 12 selections, although the 21-year-old was the youngest.

While Darnold is expected to earn the starting job in training camp, it likely won't take long for McCarthy to see significant playing time. The veteran signed a one-year deal with the organization, setting up the former Wolverines signal-caller to take over the first-string job in 2025.

The team has been adamant about prioritizing McCarthy's long-term development instead of rushing him onto the field, with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah explaining the cautious approach on Friday.

"We're not going to rush his development," Adofo-Mensah said, via Seifert. "We're just going to do what's best for the Vikings in the short and long term."

McCarthy wrapped up a tremendous 2023 season at Michigan, completing 72.3 percent of his throws for 2,991 yards while helping the Wolverines win a national title. He racked up 22 touchdown passes compared to just four interceptions.

While the Vikings typically adopted a win-now mindset with former quarterback Kirk Cousins under center, it appears that development is now their plan for McCarthy as he begins his first year in the NFL.