The Minnesota Vikings were in search of their next Franchise quarterback, and Minnesota believed it found that in Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings traded up for him in the 2024 NFL Draft, but a preseason injury derailed McCarthy's rookie season.

"I know I'm ready to start. All the work I put in and the confidence in my skills and abilities, being able to do my job and simplify things. Take it one day at a time, one play at a time," McCarthy said, via Fox9 in Minnesota. "I have a tremendous coaching staff, a tremendous group of guys around me that I can lean on, and they can lean on me."

The Minnesota Vikings have put an end to the speculation. Amid swirling rumors linking veteran Aaron Rodgers to the team, head coach Kevin O'Connell has made it clear: the future belongs to J.J. McCarthy.