Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy continues his recovery journey from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson, McCarthy is doing “well” in his rehabilitation process.
The 2024 first-round draft pick underwent his first surgery in August after experiencing right knee discomfort during the preseason. McCarthy had shown promise in his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
A second operation followed in November due to swelling problems. However, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell claimed the quarterback’s recovery timeline remained unchanged. The typical recovery period for McCarthy’s meniscus repair is six to eight months.
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Wolfson’s latest report suggests a measured approach to McCarthy’s return;
“Is he a full first day of OTAs? Or is he a mandatory minicamp in June, which is probably a little aggressive based on the injury, the initial injury and the initial surgery,” Wolfson noted.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold’s spectacular season has complicated the Vikings’ quarterback situation. The veteran signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-2 record.
JJ McCarthy trade rumors are increasing as Giants show interest
The uncertainty surrounding JJ McCarthy’s future in Minnesota has fueled trade talks. ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes the New York Giants could offer their No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for McCarthy’s services.
“JJ McCarthy is a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He’s had a year, he’s coming off the injury. But he’s a kid, if you look at his numbers from last year compared to the numbers of the quarterbacks this year, he would do that.” be the No. 1 guy,” Kiper declared on “Unsportsmanlike Radio” on Wednesday.
The Giants’ potential interest stems from their previous evaluation of McCarthy. The team hosted him for a private meeting last Easter Sunday before ultimately selecting receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
McCarthy’s college credentials back up the trade buzz. He led Michigan to a national championship in 2023, posting 2,991 passing yards with a 22-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 72.3% completion percentage and 167.4 passer rating led the Big Ten.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that several NFL teams could pursue McCarthy given the limited quarterback talent in the upcoming draft. The Seattle Seahawks emerged as another potential suitor, with Colin Cowherd suggesting they could package multiple draft picks for the young quarterback.
The Vikings’ decision likely hinges on Darnold’s performance in the playoffs. A deep postseason run could solidify Darnold’s position as the franchise quarterback, potentially making McCarthy available via trade. For now, JJ McCarthy is focusing on his rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to full strength for the 2025 season.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos