He’s currently a Minnesota Viking. But honestly, if you haven't been glued to the injury reports or the chaotic NFC North standings lately, you might have missed exactly how he’s been utilized.
It’s been a weird ride.
JJ McCarthy, the kid who basically forgot how to lose at Michigan, found out real quick that the NFL is a different beast. After being taken 10th overall in 2024, his "starting" career didn't actually begin when everyone expected. You probably remember the headlines: a torn meniscus in his right knee during the 2024 preseason completely wiped out what should have been his rookie year.
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. The 2025 season just wrapped up, and the answer to what team does jj mccarthy play for remains the Vikings, but his grip on the QB1 spot is the subject of every sports talk radio show from Eagan to Duluth.
The 2025 Rollercoaster in Purple
Coming off that knee surgery, McCarthy finally got his shot this past season. It wasn't the "sit and learn" year people predicted behind a veteran. It was a trial by fire. He started 10 games for Minnesota in 2025, and the results were, well, a mix of "he’s the franchise" and "he’s definitely a rookie."
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He finished the 2025 campaign with some stats that reflect that struggle. We're talking 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Not exactly Mahomes numbers, right? His 57.6% completion rate shows a guy still trying to adjust to the speed of NFL secondaries. But he also ran for four scores, showing that the athleticism that made him a star in Ann Arbor is still very much there.
- Record as a starter: 6-4
- Best Moment: Coming back from 10 down in the fourth quarter to beat the Bears in his debut.
- Worst Moment: That Week 12 disaster against the Packers where he threw two picks and finished with a 34.2 passer rating.
Dealing With the "Injury Bug" Label
One thing that’s really frustrating for Vikings fans is that McCarthy just can't seem to stay on the field for a full 17-game stretch. It’s not just the knee anymore. This past season, he dealt with an ankle injury in Week 2 that kept him out until November. Then, just when he started heating up in December, a concussion and a hairline fracture in his hand started popping up in the reports.
He actually missed the end of the season finale against Green Bay a few weeks ago because he couldn't grip the ball properly. He called it a "grown-man decision" to step aside for the backup, Max Brosmer, but it’s led to a lot of talk about whether his frame can handle the hits.
Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have been supportive, but they aren't handing him the keys to the 2026 season without a fight. The Vikings brass recently mentioned they want the "deepest, most talented room possible." In NFL-speak, that means they’re probably bringing in a veteran to compete with him this summer.
Why Michigan Fans Still Believe
If you watched him lead the Wolverines to a National Championship, you know why the Vikings haven't given up. The kid is a winner. He went 27-1 in college. Even with the interceptions this year, he showed flashes—like that three-touchdown performance against Washington in December where he looked like a seasoned vet.
He’s only 22. People forget that.
The Vikings spent the 2025 offseason rebuilding the offensive line and grabbing guys like Jordan Mason to help the run game, specifically to take the pressure off McCarthy. When the system works, he looks great. When he has to play "hero ball," things get messy.
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What’s Next for JJ in 2026?
The 2026 offseason is going to be massive for him. He isn't rehabbing a major surgery this time, which is a huge win. He has a full slate of games (10 of them, anyway) to look at on tape.
If you're wondering about his status, he is under contract with Minnesota through 2027, with a fifth-year option for 2028. He’s not going anywhere via trade or release—the dead cap hit would be astronomical, and the talent is too high to dump.
Actionable Insights for Following McCarthy this Offseason:
- Watch the Free Agency Wire: If the Vikings sign a "bridge" veteran like a Ryan Tannehill or keep a guy like Carson Wentz, it means they want a safety net for McCarthy.
- The "Weight" Watch: Keep an eye on training camp reports regarding his bulk. Scouts have noted he needs to add a bit more muscle to withstand the "donkey kicks" (his words) he takes every Sunday.
- Focus on the Hand: That hairline fracture in his throwing hand needs to heal perfectly. Any lingering grip issues could lead to the same accuracy problems we saw in November.
He’s a Viking. For now, he’s the Viking. But the grace period of being a "young rookie" is officially over. 2026 is the year he either cements himself as the franchise guy or becomes a "what if" story.