NFL Rumors: J.J. McCarthy 'Highly Likely' to Be Vikings QB1 amid Aaron Rodgers Buzz

J.J. McCarthy might have won the Minnesota Vikings' QB1 job before taking his first regular-season NFL snap.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said in a Thursday appearance on the Dan Patrick Show that the Vikings are more likely to pursue a backup than first-string competition for McCarthy this offseason.

"The most likely scenario, highly likely, is that J.J. McCarthy's going to be the starting quarterback," Pelissero said (8:00 mark.)

McCarthy missed the entirety of his 2024 rookie season with a knee injury. He currently leads the Vikings' quarterback depth chart after Sam Darnold left to join the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.

Meanwhile, Daniel Jones "had the chance to return to Minnesota" before he signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

According to Pelissero, the likelihood of McCarthy starting next fall could have been different had the Vikings landed Darnold or Jones.

Now that both options are off the table, the Vikings have been connected with veteran free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported Wednesday that the Vikings "have at least been entertaining the possibility internally of what it would look like to add Aaron Rodgers into this quarterback room," although Schefter has since expressed doubt about the likelihood of Minnesota actually pursuing Rodgers.

Rodgers has also been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, who are each reportedly waiting on his response, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Schefter.

The number of potential starting quarterbacks available on the free-agent or trade markets is starting to dwindle. The longer the Vikings wait to add another quarterback, the more likely it seems that they're expecting McCarthy to take over at QB1 next season.

McCarthy underwent multiple knee surgeries last fall amid recovery from a torn meniscus, including a procedure in November. Pelissero reported Saturday that he "is expected to be cleared to practice this spring."