J.J. McCarthy: Vikings Haven't Told Me I'm QB1 Amid Aaron Rodgers Rumors, Darnold Exit

Reportedly bowing out of the pursuit for Aaron Rodgers might not mean the Minnesota Vikings have officially committed to J.J. McCarthy as QB1.

When asked by Kay Adams when the Vikings had told him he would start next season, McCarthy answered: "They haven't told me."

McCarthy continued: "I'm happy they didn't, because I try to earn it every single day. I never want that to be given to me. It's such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I'm just going to make the most of it every single day."

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported last week that the Vikings had "rejected multiple trade calls" regarding McCarthy while "telling other teams they're moving forward with him as their quarterback."

Pelissero added that although the Vikings are reportedly "not pursuing" Rodgers, the team still plans to acquire a veteran quarterback this offseason.

The Vikings have since been connected to Ryan Tannehill, who has not played since his 2023 campaign with the Tennessee Titans.

Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported last Friday that the Vikings had discussed a potential contract with Tannehill. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Monday on the Pat McAfee Show said these discussions had involved ascertaining if Tannehill would "theoretically be available" if needed.

"I think they hope that they don’t need him because the hope is, your future’s now. Roll with J.J. McCarthy, who’s really talented and just move forward from there," Rapoport said.

Earlier this offseason, the Vikings were reportedly seeking competition to take on McCarthy for next season's QB1 role in case of the departure of 2024 starter Sam Darnold.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported last week the Vikings initially tried to acquire former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones by pitching him "on an open competition for the starting job."

Jones ultimately signed with the Indianapolis Colts while Darnold departed for the Seattle Seahawks, leaving the Vikings without a clear competitor to take on McCarthy.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported earlier this month that Rodgers is "intrigued by the idea of playing in Minnesota." The former New York Jet remains unsigned amid reported interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets.

Vikings leaders including head coach Kevin O'Connell have previously stated they expect McCarthy to eventually become a franchise quarterback, but he remains relatively untested at the NFL level after missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury. The team could be looking to motivate the former Michigan signal caller this offseason by preparing him to compete for his first NFL starting role, even if who he will be competing with has not yet been decided.