Only One Thing Matters at Vikings OTAs

Kevin O’Connell

Minnesota Vikings organized team activities (OTAs) on the late-May calendar are assuredly fun, symbolizing the return of Vikings operations as they prepare for the regular season.

Vikings OTAs are underway, and regarding the event, only one thing matters.

For the most part, though, OTAs are largely symbolic, notable for “bad news,” such as holdouts, which have beset the Atlanta Falcons with Kirk Cousins, for example.

But for Minnesota in 2025, OTAs are about one thing: 22-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

That’s pretty much it.

J.J. McCarthy Is the Only Thing to See at Vikings OTAs

OTAs represent a back-to-school party for NFL teams, and this go-round, the Vikings feature a healthy quarterback of the future, whose meniscus recovery dominated the last few months. Thankfully, McCarthy healed with no hiccups, and with Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens joining new teams in free agency, the time is very much now for McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson at a Minnesota Timberwolves game in May 2025, cheering for the home team against the Golden State Warriors. The Wolves won, advancing to the Western Conference Finals for a second year in a row.

The Vikings posted social media footage of McCarthy in Eagan, which is pretty much all one can ask for with OTAs this cycle. There’s no other drama; all players who need contracts have them.

It’s the glimpse-of-McCarthy show.

CBS Sports on McCarthy as One to Watch

CBS Sports‘ Garrett Podell [obviously] nominated McCarthy as the thing to watch in Eagan this week.

He explained, “One thing to watch: How quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks. The Vikings traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select McCarthy 10th overall, and then he tore his meniscus last preseason. That opened the door for veteran journeyman Sam Darnold to take the reins, and he produced the first Pro Bowl season of his seven-year NFL career.”

“Minnesota possesses perhaps the best offensive ecosystem in the NFL with Pro Bowlers at running back (Aaron Jones), wide receiver (Justin Jefferson), tight end (T.J. Hockenson), center (Ryan Kelly) and right tackle (Brian O’Neill). That list doesn’t include young first-round talents at wide receiver (Jordan Addison) and guard (Donovan Jackson).”

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota quarterback J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

There’s no other way to dice it: McCarthy is the Vikings’ one big hope for a Super Bowl that has eluded the franchise for 60+ years.

Podell added, “Plus, head coach and offensive play caller Kevin O’Connell is the reigning NFL Coach of the Year. How healthy will McCarthy look, especially after being robbed of crucial developmental reps as a rookie because of his injury?”

“The Vikings are all in on McCarthy, so it’s critical he shows he might have what it takes to be a reliable NFL starter.”

A Roster Tailor-Made for a Young QB

Minnesota employs the NFL’s second-best defense from 2024 per trustworthy efficiency metrics, it fundamentally rebuilt its offensive line in March and April, and McCarthy will have weapons out the wazoo in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor, Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and rookie Tai Felton.

Everything — absolutely everything — including a quarterback-whispering head coach, is in place for McCarthy to succeed. No excuses.

Training Camp When the Drama Starts

Minnesota’s version of 2025 drama will commence at training camp, featuring roster battles like CB2, WR4, TE3, and perhaps the punter.

McCarthy will begin to show his meddle in a more meaningful capacity at training camp, as OTAs, for fans’ sake, is more like a photo op.

Minnesota Head Coach Kevin O’Connell joined KFAN’s Dan Barreiro after 2024 Vikings Training Camp practice at the TCO Performance Center. July 31st, 2024. MIN finished 7-10 in 2023, O’Connell’s second season. The team is expected to win about six or seven games in 2024.

So, circle training camp, which is about two months away.

Other McCarthy OTA Thoughts

PurplePTSD’s Janik Eckardt opined on OTAs this week: “The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their OTAs on Tuesday. On the field were some notable players, including Justin Jefferson, who skipped that phase in the last two years. It’s important to mention that OTAs are voluntary. Giving a player a huge contract usually makes them show up.”

“One Viking is even more notable, though. J.J. McCarthy, the new starting quarterback for your Vikings, was present, too.”

With McCarthy, oddsmakers believe Minnesota will win eight or nine games this season.

Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota quarterback J. McCarthy (9) warms up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Eckardt continued, “The Vikings have the potential to feature an explosive offense in the upcoming season, but that obviously depends on McCarthy’s development. The infrastructure is fantastic, with three new interior starters (if Donovan Jackson wins the starting job over Blake Brandel) on the offensive line.”

“Furthermore, the mentioned pass-catchers and head coach O’Connell will also help him reach his potential. The 22-year-old quarterback will be in the spotlight all offseason.”

If McCarthy feels different, in general, it’s because the purple team has never used a Top 10 draft pick on a quarterback.