Minnesota Vikings sign first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy, rookie contract details revealed
The Minnesota Vikings have officially locked up their future quarterback. The franchise selected former Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and now, they’ve officially inked him to his lucrative rookie deal.
McCarthy inked a four-year rookie deal for $$21.85 million, which is all fully guaranteed money. His contract comes with a team option for a fifth season, which they will choose to either reject or accept following his third season in the league. As part of the deal, the former Michigan star will receive a signing bonus of $12.71 million.
In his 2023 collegiate campaign, McCarthy started all 15 games for the Wolverines, tallying 2,991 passing yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 6-foot-3 junior also compiled 202 yards and three scores on the ground.
Fueled by McCarthy’s excellent play behind center, Michigan reeled in its first national title since 1997. For his efforts, the star QB was named the Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year and a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist.
McCarthy’s standout junior season wasn’t a fluke. In 2022, he made 14 appearances for Michigan, including 13 starts. He finished the season with 2,719 passing yards and 22 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions. He also notched 306 rushing yards for five TDs.
As a true freshman, McCarthy wasn’t the Wolverines QB1 but he certainly made contributions. He finished his debut campaign with 516 passing yards and five touchdowns to earn the program’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
JJ McCarthy played high school football at IMG Academy (FL), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 47 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about JJ McCarthy
McCarthy’s talent isn’t only applicable at the collegiate level. Ahead of the draft, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein broke down McCarthy’s potential at the next level.
“Enigmatic quarterback lacking the measurables and splash throws associated with early round quarterbacks but possessing elements that require more study and consideration,” Zierlein wrote. “McCarthy lacks frame thickness and a plus arm. He’s fairly poised in the pocket but is average as a pocket passer.
“His ball placement and timing need to improve to help mitigate an average operation time due to a windup release. McCarthy doesn’t seek to play out of structure but is fairly consistent at making positive plays when it happens and ramps up his focus late in games and on third downs.
“He is confident and seems to have the ability to take slights and digest it as competitive fuel. McCarthy should continue to improve as a passer, but he fails to stand out in many of the areas that tend to be predictive of top-level success in the NFL.”