During the 2024 preseason, Vikings QB JJ McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury. He needed surgery and was on the bench all year round.
That made Sam Darnold the starter for last season. Minnesota did not re-sign Darnold this offseason with the intention of McCarthy as a starter in 2025. Speaking to NFL insider Dianna Russini, O’Connell spoke about the pressure to develop JJ McCarthy into a long-term QB.
Can QB whisper Kevin O’Connell make JJ McCarthy a star?
If you think Kevin O’Connell is feeling anxious, #vikings JJ McCarthy fans:
“I expect a positive and negative response. Our goal is to win a football game and JJ will play a role in it… all understanding the foundation of development… pic.twitter.com/wc2gzpbsh3
– Vikingzfanpage (@vikingzfanpage) August 15th, 2025
On the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings chose QB JJ McCarthy from Michigan. In the team’s first presentation game of 2024, McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury. He was forced to miss out on the entire first season, but is set to become Minnesota’s starter in 2025. This offseason is about JJ McCarthy speculation. Will he be able to quickly adapt to the NFL and keep the Vikings a candidate for the NFC?
Viking fans are optimistic about McCarthy’s chances of success. That’s because they have QB whisper Kevin O’Connell. He helped QBs reach their full potential in his system. This includes Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs and Sam Darnold. After being looked over as a starter, O’Connell helped Sam Darnold and the Vikings go 14-3 last season.
Today was easy #vikings QB JJ McCarthy’s best practice day. He had carved #patriots Defense from the beginning. There are no turnovers. Great decision making.
Minnesota and QB. pic.twitter.com/nilupej78h
– Vikingzfanpage (@vikingzfanpage) August 14, 2025
The previous second overall pick enjoyed the most successful season of his career under O’Connell. His track record makes Viking fans confident they can make the most of McCarthy. At university, Michigan committed the first crime. That’s not the case for McCarthy in Minnesota. He has one of the best receivers to throw.
Having Justin Jefferson in WR is not something that many QBs can have. Last season, Jefferson scored 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. During his senior season at Michigan, JJ McCarthy passed 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. His 72.3 completion rate led all the QBs in the Big 10 in 2023. He is an accurate passerby, but head coach Kevin O’Connell commented that McCarthy needs to make a throw. Everything O’Connell helps young QBs tackle.
