The Minnesota Vikings have officially signed their first-round pick, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, to a four-year rookie contract worth $17.9 million, completing the signings of their entire 2025 NFL Draft class. The announcement was made Friday morning by the team’s front office and marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s rebuilding efforts.

McCarthy, selected 11th overall by the Vikings in the 2025 NFL Draft, is viewed by many analysts as the long-awaited heir to Minnesota’s quarterback position—a role that has seen instability in recent years. His signing brings both relief and excitement to a franchise seeking a return to playoff contention and a long-term solution under center.

The Deal

Per sources close to the negotiation, McCarthy’s contract includes a fully guaranteed signing bonus and standard fifth-year team option, consistent with first-round quarterback contracts under the NFL’s rookie wage scale. The $17.9 million total value makes McCarthy one of the highest-paid rookies in team history, though still within the league’s salary cap guidelines.

General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed satisfaction with the deal and optimism about the rookie quarterback’s future.

“We’re thrilled to have J.J. officially on board,” said Adofo-Mensah in a statement. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and someone we believe has the tools to grow into a top-tier NFL quarterback. Getting him signed before training camp was a top priority.”

McCarthy’s Journey to the NFL

J.J. McCarthy rose to national prominence as the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to a national championship and was known for his poise, accuracy, and strong football IQ. In his final collegiate season, McCarthy threw for over 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns while posting a 71.2% completion rate—earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors and cementing his status as a first-round prospect.

The Vikings traded up in the 2025 draft to secure McCarthy, sending shockwaves through the league and signaling a clear shift toward a youth-focused rebuild. The move came after the team parted ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the 2024 offseason.

What McCarthy Brings to the Vikings

McCarthy is expected to compete for the starting job immediately, though Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has remained cautious in setting expectations.

“J.J. is going to have every opportunity to learn, grow, and compete,” O’Connell said. “He’s got great instincts, great mechanics, and he’s already shown a tremendous ability to command the huddle and digest complex schemes.”

Many fans see McCarthy as the face of the franchise moving forward. His dual-threat capability, leadership qualities, and big-game experience make him one of the most promising quarterback prospects the Vikings have drafted in recent memory.

Full Draft Class Locked In

With McCarthy’s deal finalized, all of Minnesota’s 2025 draft picks are now under contract. This includes second-round WR Keon Coleman, third-round CB Elijah Jones, and several promising Day 3 selections such as OL Mason Brooks and LB Kalen DeLoach.

Having the full draft class signed before the start of training camp is a significant win for the Vikings’ front office and coaching staff, allowing the team to focus fully on development, playbook integration, and positional battles.

“We believe this class can make a real impact,” said Adofo-Mensah. “Every one of these guys brings something unique to the table. With the contracts done, now it’s all about football.”

Fan Reaction

News of McCarthy’s signing spread quickly across social media, with Vikings fans expressing a mixture of excitement and relief. The quarterback position has been a point of contention in recent years, with inconsistent play and injuries derailing the team’s postseason hopes.

“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” one fan tweeted. “New era. New QB. Let’s go Vikes!”

Others praised the front office for getting the deal done early, avoiding the kinds of rookie holdouts that can derail a young quarterback’s development.

Looking Ahead

The Vikings are set to begin training camp in late July, with McCarthy expected to take first-team reps alongside veteran QB Sam Darnold. While O’Connell hasn’t named a starter, sources indicate that the coaching staff is eager to see how quickly McCarthy can acclimate to the speed and complexity of the pro game.

The road to becoming a franchise quarterback in the NFL is never easy, but with his contract signed, McCarthy now has a clear path forward.

For the Vikings, the message is clear: the rebuild is over—the future has begun.