J.J. McCarthy is cleared as the Vikings' QB1 for the 2025 season after injury, but will he have top target Jordan Addison? Get the latest on both players.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The words every Vikings fan has been waiting a year to hear are finally here: J.J. McCarthy is officially back. After a devastating torn meniscus wiped out his entire rookie season, the quarterback has been fully cleared for the 2025 NFL season, setting the stage for his long-awaited debut as the team's undisputed leader. But as one major question is answered, another looms large, with the status of one of his top targets, Jordan Addison, hanging in the balance.
My knee feels honestly stronger than ever.
It's the news that defines the offseason. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' great hope, has passed his physical and is ready to roll. After a successful test on his surgically repaired knee on June 2, McCarthy declared it 'feels honestly stronger than ever.' This isn't just good news; it's franchise-altering. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has already put his full confidence behind the young QB, officially naming him the starter. After a year of waiting and wondering, the Vikings finally get to see their guy under center, ready to lead the offense into a new era.
While McCarthy gets his weapons ready, the availability of one of his key targets is in jeopardy. Wide receiver Jordan Addison is scheduled for a July 15 jury trial stemming from his 2024 DUI arrest in Los Angeles. While Addison has pled not guilty, a conviction or plea deal would almost certainly result in a three-game suspension to start the season. The timing means the team should have clarity before training camp begins, but the prospect of starting the McCarthy era without the speedy receiver is a significant concern for an offense looking to hit the ground running.
The front office isn't just waiting on player health; they're actively building a championship-caliber roster. In a move that's drawing praise, the Vikings have reportedly signed an 'unsung MVP' from a recent title-winning team. While the player's identity remains under wraps, the commitment is clear: a $17 million contract aimed at adding a significant piece to the puzzle. This strategic signing shows the organization is all-in on maximizing the window with a young, talented quarterback, adding a proven winner to the locker room.
And now, fans can officially start their countdown to see all these pieces come together. The team announced its 2025 training camp schedule, featuring 12 practices open to the public from July 26 to August 14. The festivities kick off with 'Back Together Weekend,' and tickets for the general public went on sale today, June 18. Most practices are free for kids and season ticket members, with affordable options for everyone else. With autograph sessions and a special Night Practice, it's the first chance for the public to see the new-look Vikings and their new QB1 in action.
With the quarterback situation solidified, a key roster spot bolstered, and the training camp schedule in hand, the 2025 season suddenly feels very real. All eyes will now turn to Jordan Addison's legal situation and, ultimately, to TCO Performance Center on July 26. That's when we'll get our first real look at the J.J. McCarthy-led Vikings, an offense brimming with potential and a team hungry to prove the wait was worth it.
