As training camps start to get underway for NFL teams this week, prominent rookie players are securing their deals to avoid holdout situations that can become a big distraction in camp, especially when it comes to the quarterback position.
Fortunately for the Minnesota Vikings, they recently reached an agreement with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, formerly of the University of Michigan, whom they selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
With veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins coming off an Achilles injury and asking for more than the team was willing to pay, the team let him walk in NFL free agency, where he agreed to terms on a massive deal with the Atlanta Falcons to become their Week 1 starter under center.
This resulted in the team signing veteran journeyman Sam Darnold and bringing in McCarthy to be the future face of the franchise in Minnesota, as the team has high hopes for the former Wolverines star that was so highly touted by new Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, McCarthy’s deal will pay him $21.8 million in guaranteed money.
#Vikings first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy deal: $21.854 million fully guaranteed, $12.714 million signing bonus, salaries $795,000, $960,000, $1.075 million, $1.119 million, 2025-2027 roster bonuses $828,400, $1.706 million, $2.585 million
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 22, 2024
Although the Vikings are in a transition period, and it is uncertain whether the team will be able to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC, McCarthy’s addition is a potentially solid move for the franchise, as he could turn out to be the real deal.
The real question is whether he’ll beat out Darnold for the starting job in Week 1, where the Vikings will hit the road to take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 8.
