> At a Glance
> – The Minnesota Vikings ended their season 9-8, missing the playoffs by a half-game
> – J.J. McCarthy has started only 10 games in two years due to injuries and inconsistency
> – Coach Kevin O’Connell declined to commit to McCarthy as the 2025 starter
> – Why it matters: The Vikings’ quarterback uncertainty threatens their playoff hopes and could force a major roster overhaul
The Minnesota Vikings entered 2024 betting they could develop J.J. McCarthy while staying competitive. That gamble failed, leaving them with a 9-8 record and more questions than answers under center.
A Season of What-Ifs
McCarthy, drafted 10th overall in 2024, has started just 10 games and finished only 8 due to injuries and accuracy issues. His limited development has stalled the Vikings’ evaluation process and clouded the team’s future.
Coach Kevin O’Connell, when asked if McCarthy would be the starter in 2025, offered no guarantees:
> “I can’t wait to work with him in the offseason and absolutely look forward to the continued development and improvement. I’m excited where he’s ending the season and know there’s some things we can really dive into as a group.”
McCarthy himself acknowledged his tenuous grip on the job:
> “There’s nothing promised. That’s something I take very seriously. It’s not something you buy and you get for the rest of your life. You rent it and you lease it every single day.”
Missed Opportunities
A five-game winning streak to end the season wasn’t enough. The Vikings were eliminated in Week 14, finishing a half-game behind Green Bay for the final playoff spot.
One play in Week 11 may have cost them the NFC North title:
- McCarthy threw a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute
- A 56-yard kickoff return by Devin Duvernay set up Chicago’s walk-off field goal
- A stop there would’ve given Minnesota the division crown
Roster and Cap Crunch
The Vikings face a salary cap overage, the second-highest projected in the NFL. That could force cuts to key veterans like Harrison Smith, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave.
Offensive line depth is a concern, especially with center Ryan Kelly‘s future in doubt after multiple concussions.
Draft and Free Agency Outlook
| Asset | Status |
|---|---|
| 1st-round pick | 18th overall |
| 2nd-round pick | Original selection retained |
| 3rd-round pick | Original selection retained |
| Compensatory picks | Expected for Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones departures |
Defensive Bright Spots
Despite missing the playoffs, the defense excelled under coordinator Brian Flores:
- 2nd in red zone touchdown rate
- 2nd in sack percentage
- 3rd in yards allowed
- 7th in points against
Flores, whose contract is expiring, is again a head coaching candidate.
Key Takeaways
- J.J. McCarthy‘s development has been stunted by injuries and inconsistency
- The Vikings missed the playoffs by a razor-thin margin, despite a late surge
- A tough 2025 schedule awaits, with games against San Francisco and Indianapolis
- Salary cap issues could force major roster changes
- The defense was elite, but the offense ranked near the bottom in key metrics
The Vikings’ quarterback question looms large as they enter an offseason filled with financial and strategic uncertainty.
