Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Jaxson Dart

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.

Monday, May 12, 4:05 PM

SNY's Connor Hughes writes that rookie first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart looked comfortable, confident and in control during rookie minicamp over the weekend. Dart didn't look unsure of himself or jittery when deciding to make passes, which impressed Hughes. The Ole Miss product has a unique throwing motion, but that doesn't mean he's lacking in arm talent. Most of his passes at minicamp were within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage and they were impressive fastballs. Dart had two good days in a row in minicamp, which is good, but it should be taken with a grain of salt this early in the offseason. The 21-year-old is hoping to become New York's next franchise signal-caller, but after the Giants added both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency this offseason, Dart is fully expected to sit and learn in his rookie season in 2025.