Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Cam Ward

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.

Sunday, April 27, 3:15 PM

The Tennessee Titans have signed former Miami Hurricane wide receiver Xavier Restrepo as an undrafted free agent, reuniting him with his college quarterback and first-overall pick Cam Ward. Ward was reportedly a "major advocate" for the wideout, and the two will now get an opportunity to take their collegiate connection to the NFL field. Restrepo spent five seasons in Miami, but didn't break out until 2023 when he recorded an 85/1,092/6 line in 13 games. With the arrival of Ward the following season, the 23-year-old upped his TD total to 11, while notching more yards (1,127) and YPC (16.3) -- leading the Canes in every significant statistical category for pass-catchers. Whether he'll make his way onto the field in three WR sets remains to be seen. However, outside of teammates Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, his other target competition isn't too daunting.