Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is encountering doubts from <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL insiders as the 2025 quarterback rankings were recently released. In Mike Sando’s annual QB tiers rankings, McCarthy was positioned at No. 29 overall, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about his potential to lead the Vikings under center.
Positioning of McCarthy Among NFL Quarterbacks
McCarthy is included in Tier 4, a group that comprises eight quarterbacks deemed either unproven or veterans who ideally should not start every game. Mike Sando defines a Tier 4 quarterback as
“an unproven player (not enough information for voters to classify) or a veteran who ideally would not start all 17 games.”
In the rankings, McCarthy sits just below Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., also a first-round pick in 2024, and just above former teammate Daniel Jones, who may start for the Colts.
Other quarterbacks in Tier 4 include former stars like Russell Wilson (Giants) and Justin Fields (Jets), along with Joe Flacco (Browns), Anthony Richardson (Colts), and Spencer Rattler (Saints), illustrating a mix of emerging talent and veterans with uncertain futures.
Mixed Perspectives on McCarthy’s Outlook
Despite McCarthy’s low ranking, some voices remain cautiously optimistic about his trajectory. An anonymous former general manager expressed hope, stating,
“I would have hope for him with that coach and that system if he can stay healthy.”
They also pointed to his skillset:
“I believe in the head coach and the system. He has the arm strength, he is athletic, he is smart, he has all those things.”
However, skepticism persists within the league. An unnamed head coach remarked,
“I don’t just hear slam dunk stuff out of there,”
signaling doubts about McCarthy’s immediate readiness to carry the Vikings. Health is another concern; another coach commented on the limited preparation time,
“How healthy is he going to be? They are only doing one joint camp, with New England. He plays on Monday night at Chicago to open the season. I’m pretty interested to see what that looks like.”
Offseason Developments Fueling Uncertainty
The Vikings’ approach this offseason has contributed to questions surrounding McCarthy. After releasing Sam Darnold, Minnesota appeared to be preparing to commit to McCarthy. Yet, the team’s interest in Aaron Rodgers lingered in speculation for months before Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh. ESPN’s Adam Schefter later confirmed that Minnesota never seriously offered Rodgers a contract, but the rumors may have influenced perceptions of the Vikings’ confidence in their young quarterback.
McCarthy’s Early Preseason Performance
In the preseason opener against the Texans, McCarthy saw limited action, completing 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards during his only drive. This game may represent his sole preseason appearance before Minnesota’s regular-season kickoff on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears on September 8. The sparse usage spotlights the Vikings’ cautious handling of their young signal-caller.
Former Vikings QBs Show Varied Trajectories in Rankings
Former Vikings quarterbacks also feature on the list with mixed fortunes. Sam Darnold is the biggest mover, climbing nine spots to No. 20 after a surprising 2024 season that included leading Minnesota to 14 wins and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Still, lingering doubts remain about the conclusion of his season, reflected in the comment,
“I like Darnold, but the end of the season killed me.”
On the opposite side, Kirk Cousins has dropped 12 places to land in Tier 3 after a tumultuous first season with the Falcons in which he was benched despite the length of his contract.
Comparing QBs in the NFC North Division
McCarthy’s No. 29 ranking places him last among NFC North quarterbacks, a division that is highly competitive at the position. Detroit’s Jared Goff is ranked No. 8, while Green Bay’s Jordan Love is at No. 13, both securing spots in Tier 2. Chicago’s Caleb Williams is positioned at No. 23 within Tier 3, situating McCarthy behind all his divisional peers.
Implications for the Vikings and McCarthy’s Future
The rankings highlight the skepticism facing J.J. McCarthy as he attempts to establish himself as Minnesota’s starting quarterback. The cautious evaluations reflect concerns about his experience, health, and readiness, but also acknowledge his physical tools and intelligence. How he performs in the early games, especially with limited preseason exposure, will be critical in shaping perceptions and the Vikings’ commitment to him moving forward.
For a Vikings team aiming to contend in a tough NFC North, McCarthy’s development could be a decisive factor in their 2025 success. The close monitoring by coaches and NFL insiders suggests the upcoming season will be an important measuring stick for his potential to become a franchise cornerstone.