No matter the quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings have always seemed to be subject to questions at the position over the past decade.
Kirk Cousins never seemed to be the answer. Then, it was ludicrous to suggest Sam Darnold could replace him.
Now, it's J.J. McCarthy, subject to outside conversations that have questioned his age, experience and physical readiness coming off meniscus surgery.
The Vikings' flirtation with Aaron Rodgers only fueled the speculation that McCarthy may not be prepare to lead a 14-win team.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell has kept a diplomatic position on the matter, maintaining a cursory interest in all options to improve the quarterback room in long-winded filibusters.
But at the start of the Vikings' 2025 season program on Monday, April 21, O'Connell made McCarthy's outlook abundantly clear.
Offering an update on several players recovering from long-term injuries, O'Connell, unpromoted, cleared McCarthy to enter the offseason program.
"Full, no limitations," he said, per The Athletic's Alec Lewis.
The first phase of the Vikings offseason program is largely classroom and weight room training, but McCarthy, who spent all of last season separate from the team in his recovery program, will be in a position to lead the team.
Entering his second NFL offseason program, McCarthy has the inside track for the starting job with no other competition other than Brett Rypien.
The Vikings are expected to add a veteran backup, but with options dwindling in free agency, that backup won't be competition for McCarthy, but rather a support system who could start in a pinch.
Entering draft week, the Vikings' focus will be on filling out the roster and finding more talent to support McCarthy.
