The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to hand over control of their 14-win team from last season to J.J. McCarthy, the second-year quarterback and 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Although McCarthy didn’t see any action during the 2024 regular season, veteran running back Aaron Jones has faith in his potential.
Jones, who rejoined the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason, pointed to McCarthy’s track record as a strong indicator of what he can bring to the table.
“He’s a winner,” Jones said during an April 10 appearance on Good Morning Football, referencing McCarthy’s role in leading his team to a national championship. “From high school through college, he’s only lost one game in his career. I think he would’ve been in the mix for the starting job if not for his injury. His mindset is different. He’s a true competitor, he’s driven to be great, and he’s hungry. I think that’s going to show when he gets out there.”
“He’s very deliberate with everything he does,” the Vikings’ star running back said on Good Morning Football. “Even though he didn’t get on the field this year, he spent his time studying. He made a list of every defensive player in the league and ranked them.”
“He’s fully locked in, and I’m excited to be sharing the backfield with him—whether it’s taking handoffs or catching passes from him.”
Now in the second year of his four-year, $21.8 million rookie contract, McCarthy provides the Vikings with valuable roster flexibility.
J.J. McCarthy to Benefit From Vikings 1-2 Punch of Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason RB
J.J. McCarthy is expected to benefit from head coach Kevin O’Connell’s plan to implement a two-pronged backfield featuring Aaron Jones and newly acquired Jordan Mason.
“The Vikings have Jones slotted in as their lead back, and their investment shows it—$20 million over two years—compared to what they gave up to bring in Mason from the 49ers,” wrote ESPN’s Kevin Seifert on April 6. “But don’t expect Mason to be just a typical backup.”
O’Connell has been vocal about his desire to ease Jones’ workload after a heavy 2024 season in which he logged career highs in snaps (700), carries (255), and total touches (306).
While Mason will give Jones breathers during certain series, O’Connell also envisions him playing more specialized roles, particularly in areas where the Vikings have historically struggled.
With the team ranking 14th in rushing attempts last season under veteran QB Sam Darnold, a more balanced offensive approach could unlock greater efficiency moving forward.
Vikings Beefed Up Offensive Line
The Vikings have already taken several steps this offseason to support J.J. McCarthy, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason heading into 2025. Among the most praised moves was the signing of former Colts offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency.
These additions aim to address key weaknesses from last season—Minnesota ranked 18th in pass protection and 16th in run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak applauded the Vikings’ aggressive approach, calling them “true contenders” in free agency.
“I loved the investment in the offensive line,” Solak wrote on March 26. “Fries was one of my top free-agent gems—he’s one of the best players nobody talks about. If he fully bounces back from his tibia injury, he could make a strong Pro Bowl push.”
Solak also noted the unexpected decision to move on from center Garrett Bradbury: “I thought they’d stick with Bradbury another year, accepting his pass protection issues for his value in the run game. But instead, they took a contender’s approach—upgrading not just weak spots, but average ones too. Kelly’s older than Bradbury, but it’s a worthwhile gamble.”
With a revamped offensive line, a strong running back duo, and a deep roster of skill players, the Vikings appear to be a well-rounded team built to support a young and untested quarterback like McCarthy.
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