The Minnesota Vikings have their quarterback of the future after watching Kirk Cousins depart in free agency. The Vikings traded up one spot with the New York Jets to No. 10 and drafted J.J. McCarthy, who helped lead Michigan to a national championship in 2023.However, McCarthy struggled at times with the Wolverines, whose offense relied heavily on a strong running game, despite showing flashes at other times of the potential he had displayed as a five-star recruit out of high school.
That talent spurred a rise up teams' first-round draft board in recent months.In Minnesota, McCarthy will team up with Vikings free agent addition Sam Darnold. While it remains to be seen which one starts Week 1 of next season, McCarthy will be counted on as the Vikings' quarterback of the future.Minnesota sent the No. 11 pick, a fourth-round pick and fifth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the No. 10 pick, likely fending off other teams interested in trading up for McCarthy.