After the Minnesota Vikings chose him over incumbent starter Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy’s expectations are even higher in 2025 than they were a year ago. Although fans remain split on his potential, Vikings safety Josh Metellus voiced the team’s confidence in their new quarterback.

Minnesota didn't get the memo on Monday. As the Vikings trotted onto the grass at TCO Performance Center, they ushered in their first padded practice of 2025 training camp in a sweltering current of 90-degree sun.

McCarthy is ranked last among the six quarterbacks in expected improvement because of his lost rookie year. Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy can't improve upon his rookie season when he didn't even play thanks to an MCL tear he experienced during preseason.