Is JJ McCarthy really him? That’s the burning question hanging over Minnesota. Yes, the dilemma is there despite all the faith that Kevin O’Connell has shown in his young man. NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha didn’t shy away with his one-liner on the Vikings heading into the 2025 NFL Draft… “Is J.J. McCarthy going to deliver on all that promise?” A fair ask.

Because the Vikings haven’t exactly hit QB gold lately. Teddy Bridgewater. Christian Ponder. Both first-rounders. (And we aren’t counting one-season tone-setters like Sam Darnold as examples). So yeah, obviously there’s doubt.

But Aaron Jones isn’t hearing any of it. The veteran running back hopped on Good Morning Football and didn’t hesitate when asked if McCarthy could be the guy. “JJ is a winner,” Jones said. “You look through high school to his time in college. He’s lost just one career game… he was balling.” Call it a flex more than a résumé. Because how many of the up-and-coming youngsters come to the pro with a ‘hard-to-beat’ tag?

JJ’s body of work at Michigan is elite. National title. 27-1 record as a starter. Big Ten-best in completion percentage and passer rating. The numbers match the intangibles. The only thing he’s missing now is a stage—and some patience from Vikings fans still scarred from past misses. But this isn’t Ponder. This isn’t Teddy. This is JJ, the guy Aaron Jones is ready to ride with.

Jones doubled down on McCarthy’s hunger: “He wants to be great. And he’s hungry. So, I think you will see when he steps up.” This isn’t blind loyalty from a teammate. It’s a belief rooted in what Jones has seen behind the scenes—before the lights come on.

Remember, McCarthy didn’t take a regular-season snap in 2024. Torn meniscus in preseason. But even in that brief glimpse? He went 11-of-17 over 188 yards, throwing for two touchdowns. And according to Jones, if that injury hadn’t happened? “It might have been a quarterback battle.” That’s how fast McCarthy was climbing. The man isn’t just talented—he’s meticulous. “He compiled the list of all the defensive players throughout the league and ranked some stars,” Jones shared. “So, he’s really delving inside.” A little Brady-like, don’t you think?

Even Justin Jefferson is quietly co-signing the JJ stock. Their lockers sit side-by-side, and Jefferson says McCarthy is already locked in: “He’s a sponge… he wants to be a top-tier quarterback in this league.” Jefferson added, “Every single day, we’re chopping it up. Not only about football but just life in general. So, I’m excited to see what he does.” That chemistry matters. It’s what separates stat-stuffers from franchise guys. A QB-WR connection can never grow old.

So yeah, we don’t have the answer yet. But if you’re looking for a sign, Jones and Jefferson just handed you one. The Vikings’ locker room believes JJ McCarthy can be that dude, despite how the whole Aaron Rodgers’ chit-chat pans out.

Is there still a chance for JJ McCarthy to lose his spot to Aaron Rodgers?

Look, the Vikings have almost handed the keys to the offense to JJ McCarthy… Almost… But the engine hasn’t roared just yet. Because Kevin hasn’t announced the QB1. Soon, but no one knows how soon. So, anytime Aaron Rodgers is still floating around in the free agency ether, there’s reason to glance over your shoulder. JJ might not say it out loud, but yeah—he’s aware. Because in this league, nothing’s really yours until you take that first snap in week 1.

Especially when Rodgers is involved. The guy didn’t show up to Pat McAfee’s “Big Night AHT” in Pittsburgh, which was supposed to be the spotlight moment for a Steelers-Rodgers announcement. But nope—crickets. And just like that, the door creaks open again. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio even said Rodgers’ silence “means usurping J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings’ starter is still on the table.” That’s not just smoke—it’s a flickering campfire with dry kindling and gasoline sitting nearby.

“Given Rodgers’s lingering silence… some believe he’s waiting to see whether the Vikings will decide to revisit their position on riding with J.J. McCarthy.” That’s Florio’s take on all this. Steelers, meanwhile, aren’t exactly sipping cocktails waiting on him. They just hosted Shedeur Sanders for a pre-draft visit. Translation: Clock’s ticking, Aaron. As Rapoport put it on GMFB, “You are now on the clock.” Pittsburgh’s only waiting as long as there’s no plan B. As for the Vikes? Minnesota is the other option, but only until Kevin announces QB1.

So, will it be JJ McCarthy as the starter? He should be. And not like Justin Fields should have been the Steelers QB1 last season. JJ’s got the backing. Got the numbers. The temperament. Now, all eyes and ears would be on Kevin.