EAGAN, Minn. — Less than a week before training camp kicks off, the Minnesota Vikings appear to be close to crossing off one item on their to-do list: Sign quarterback of the future.
According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, J.J. McCarthy is signing a four-year, $21.85 million fully guaranteed contract with the Vikings, including a $12.71 million signing bonus and fifth-year team option.
McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick out of Michigan, was one of just three unsigned rookies from the 2024 rookie class. Dallas Turner, the Vikings' other first-round pick, is also unsigned.
The 21-year-old most recently led the Wolverines to their first national championship in more than a quarter-century. He went 27-1 as a starter, however, there have been some questions surrounding his potential because of the run-heavy style of offense he engineered at Michigan.
Despite those concerns, the Vikings traded up to get McCarthy, who set a Wolverines record last season with his 72.3% completion percentage.
Minnesota also signed former first-round pick Sam Darnold in the off-season, giving Minnesota a viable option at quarterback if McCarthy isn't NFL-ready by the start of the season. Last month, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Darnold would begin training camp as the No. 1 quarterback, but admitted that it could change.
"Sam would be the guy I would look to based upon the spring he's had, and really, where he's at in his career — in his quarterback journey and what he's been able to do coming in — and really (being able) to hit the ground running and take advantage of a competitive situation," O'Connell told reporters back in June. "At the same time, J.J.'s really improved, Nick Mullens has had a great spring and Jaren (Hall) has also improved."
McCarthy and the rest of the rookie class will report to training camp on Sunday, July 21.
