J.J. McCarthy opens up on NFL future as he loses Vikings starter job

J.J.McCarthy believes he’s still going to be valuable as a starting quarterback.Just not right now for the Vikings.

McCarthy officially lost the quarterback competition in Minnesota on Tuesday when head coach Kevin O’Connell named newcomer Kyler Murray the starter.On Wednesday, McCarthy was asked if he could still be a QB1 in the NFL, which he believes is a role he can fulfill.“Yes, I believe so,” McCarthy told reporters.

“And I’m always gonna have that confidence in myself, no matter what.But at this time it’s doing whatever I can for the team, and, you know, being ready when my number’s called.

And that’s all that matters, that’s all I can control.”McCarthy, who missed 2024 after undergoing knee surgery, had an up-and-down first full year in 2025.The first-round draft pick out of Michigan did go 6-4 as a starter with 1,632 passing yards, but had 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.

He ranked 25th out of 33 quarterbacks with 6.7 yards per passing attempt as he largely struggled with downfield passing.Pro Football Focus graded him at 33rd out of 43 quarterbacks in passing last season.Minnesota added Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler who has battled injuries, this offseason on a one-year deal after he was released by the Cardinals.McCarthy added Wednesday he would like to be the one calling the shots under center for the Vikings come Week 1, but understands O’Connell’s choice.“Obviously, every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said.“But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”...