The Vikings made a bold bet on J.J. McCarthy as their 2025 starter — but questions are already surfacing about the team’s backup plan. With Sam Howell struggling early in training camp, Minnesota’s decision to bypass veteran QBs in free agency is under fresh scrutiny.

“Fans were in attendance at Vikings training camp for the first time today, and J.J. McCarthy gave them plenty to cheer about,” Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz posted on X on July 26. “He had his best day of camp so far.”