The NFL offseason is all about what-ifs, and there's already been a heavy dose of that for the Minnesota Vikings.
Following the news that Caleb Williams preferred to land with the Vikings over his Chicago Bears, J.J. McCarthy's comparison to his 2024 draft counterpart will be a main storyline of the two teams' Week 1 matchup.
And that won't even be the start of comparisons McCarthy will be subject to.
The Vikings made an announcement ahead of training camp that will put McCarthy to the test of both fan and media scrutiny before the season even starts.
On May 19, the Vikings announced they will host quarterback Drake Maye and the New England Patriots for joint practices this summer.
As Minnesota scouted the 2024 quarterback draft class in search of their replacement for Kirk Cousins, Maye seemed to be the Vikings' crown jewel.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Vikings attempted to trade up to land Maye, but New England declined the offer and selected him. Maye was selected No. 3 overall behind Williams and Jayden Daniels.
But when the Atlanta Falcons surprised the league with the selection of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, the Vikings scrambled to be next in line, trading up from No. 11 to No. 10 to secure McCarthy.
With the announcement of joint practices, McCarthy will share the field at some point this year with every quarterback taken before him in the 2024 draft. Minnesota will host Washington in Week 14 in addition to its usual two games against Chicago.
While McCarthy missed last season with a meniscus injury, the four quarterbacks drafted ahead of him had healthy rookie years and became full-time starters.
There will be no shortage of storylines that McCarthy must drown out if he hopes to overcome the high expectations put on him this season.
