Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Shedeur Sanders

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.

Friday, May 30, 11:11 PM

As things stand during organized team activities, The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders is last in line in the team's QB competition between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Jackson thinks there's almost no scenario where Gabriel or Sanders win the starting job initially. Sanders got the fewest reps in an OTA practice on Wednesday, but he could make noise quickly as long as he's willing to learn and be coached. The 23-year-old's touch and accuracy has been on display early on. Going into his rookie season in the NFL, Sanders' goal is basically to stay in the team's plans and be deemed worthy of further development. It might be a long shot that we see either of Gabriel or Sanders on the field in 2025, and his ceiling as a dynasty asset might be as a backup QB in the NFL.