"They haven’t told me" J.J. McCarthy left high and dry by Minnesota Vikings as Aaron Rodgers rumors swirl

The Minnesota Vikings still haven't given J.J. McCarthy the green light as QB1. You'd think losing Sam Darnold to Seattle and Daniel Jones to Indianapolis would make it obvious, but nope. The team’s silence might be louder than anything they've said out loud. Plus, Aaron Rodgers is casually waiting around, making the situation messier. McCarthy himself seems fine with the uncertainty—actually, he prefers it.
He wants to earn the spot every single day, as he told Kay Adams on Tuesday’s Up & Adams show: "They haven’t told me and 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 is such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance and I’m just going to make the most of it every single day." But let’s call this what it really is—pressure. Rodgers, at 41, is still a looming threat, visiting teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and getting attention from the New York Giants too. So yes, Minnesota is making McCarthy sweat this one out.

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell hasn’t committed publicly to J.J. McCarthy as the starter, which basically means the Aaron Rodgers conversation isn't over yet. Rodgers had a solid season with the Jets last year—3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns. Not bad at 41. But he's aging, retirement is real, and the Vikings need to decide if they’re chasing rings now or planning for the future.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini says Rodgers still likes the idea of Minnesota, even if it’s his second choice behind the Rams. And Vikings management hasn't slammed that door shut, even after moving past Rodgers initially. Minnesota clearly wants McCarthy to step up, but until Rodgers signs elsewhere or finally retires, the speculation isn't going away. McCarthy better deliver in spring and summer workouts, because Minnesota’s window for Rodgers is still cracked open—just enough to keep everyone guessing.

Look, J.J. McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in 2024—expectations come with that territory. But he spent his entire rookie season injured, sidelined with a torn meniscus. He had a second knee surgery and a platelet-rich plasma treatment, so he’s finally healthy now. On Up & Adams, he made it clear: "I would say I’m 100 percent but just staying consistent with the rehab process and not wavering from that." But being healthy doesn't mean he's ready to take over right away. No regular-season snaps mean no real proof yet. Minnesota Vikings went 14-3 last year with Sam Darnold—who, by the way, got wrecked by the Rams in the playoffs and then bounced to Seattle.
McCarthy says sitting out a year helped him establish professional habits, and sure, routines matter, but this is the NFL. Habits won't win games—performance will. Kevin O’Connell’s offense looks like a solid fit for McCarthy, but it’s all theory until he takes snaps and delivers. If he struggles or can't close the gap fast, Rodgers' name will keep popping up.

Minnesota loaded up this offseason—adding center Ryan Kelly, guard Will Fries, defensive studs Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, plus running back Jordan Mason. They're clearly gearing up for a playoff run. But their success hinges entirely on quarterback decisions. McCarthy is their young investment; Rodgers would be their short-term ticket to contention. Either way, the Vikings can't keep dancing around this choice.
For now, Minnesota Vikings are leaving McCarthy in QB limbo—no promises, just potential. If he doesn’t prove he's ready, the Vikings won't hesitate to chase Rodgers or another veteran. Pressure’s on, and it's exactly how McCarthy says he likes it. Time to see if he's telling the truth.