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When the New York Jets decided to part ways with Aaron Rodgers, it set off alarm bells for a few NFL teams, but much fewer than would normally be the case. Rodgers' advanced age made it so that he wasn't a clear-cut option for every QB-needy team, but three candidates quickly emerged: the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers' patience to wait it out forced the Giants and Vikings to move on from him after free agency and the draft. Ultimately, Rodgers signed with the Steelers, shutting the door particularly on the Vikings, who will be relying on J.J. McCarthy, a 22-year-old second-year player who missed his rookie season with a knee injury.
There's a bit of pressure on McCarthy to perform, despite him not taking an NFL snap yet. He has big shoes to fill after Sam Darnold's breakout season wit Minnesota last year. In a recent interview with The Athletic, new Vikings center Ryan Kelly added some more pressure, indirectly, while speaking about how good Minnesota's roster is.
"This is the most talented team I've ever been around top to bottom. It's impressive."
But in order for the Vikings to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the Super Bowl, they will need consistent quarterback play. Darnold gave them that in 2024, which is why the team went 14-3 during the regular season.
Can JJ McCarthy learn quickly enough to not be a liability for Vikings?
Darnold showed cracks, though, reverting back to some of his downfalls that led to him bouncing around before landing in Minnesota. Those flaws are what made the team let him walk in free agency. Now, with Rodgers no longer an option, McCarthy must learn quickly. According to offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, that's what's happening as of this moment.
"I think he is right where he needs to be right now. And right where we thought he'd be. I don't think he'd come up here and say he mastered the offense. Every rep is a learning rep."
To be fair, the Vikings don't need McCarthy to light the world on fire. They just need him to play on time, get the ball to their talented playmakers and avoid turnovers.
If he doesn't do that, it could have the team feeling some regret about not getting Rodgers under contract. That will be especially true if he plays well for the Steelers.