” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/J.J.-McCarthy.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=642,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/J.J.-McCarthy.jpg”> The Minnesota Vikings no longer employ safety Camryn Bynum, but he\u2019s still high on quarterback J.J. McCarthy.<\/p>\n Bynum, in fact, joined forces with ex-Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones<\/a>, as both men became Indianapolis Colts last week. The two will get a fresh start in the AFC South.<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/USATSI_19707311.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=784,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/USATSI_19707311.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/USATSI_19707311.jpg” alt=”Vikings QB” > But as Bynum left the organization, he made sure to compliment McCarthy, the man on deck for the QB1 job for Minnesota in 2025.<\/p>\n Speaking with Good Morning Football<\/em><\/a> this week, Bynum didn\u2019t hold back on McCarthy. \u201cI trust him. J.J.\u2019s somebody that I trust. Just a leader, first and foremost. The way that he carried himself as a leader but also still following the right way and still listening and humbling himself to learn from the other guys,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the one thing that stood out to me from him, as soon as he got in, he was throwing that ball. He was a gunslinger in practice. First and 10, simple concepts, he\u2019s throwing the deep ball, he\u2019s trying to fire it downfield. That\u2019s something that I respected out of a rookie.\u201d<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Camryn-Bynum-1.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=628,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Camryn-Bynum-1.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Camryn-Bynum-1.jpg” alt> He also called McCarthy a \u201cmaniac,\u201d which, in football preparation-speak, is praise.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing forward after his injury, he\u2019s sitting there in the defensive team meeting room trying to learn our defense and trying to learn any way he can. He\u2019s kind of a maniac when it comes to football,\u201d Bynum added.<\/p>\n \u201cThe way that he carried himself while he was hurt, I can only imagine how he\u2019ll carry himself when he\u2019s healthy. When they give him the keys to the program to be able to go and just carry himself as that leader, and they let him know \u2018you\u2019re the guy, we\u2019re rolling with you,\u2019 I think J.J.\u2019s going to grow. And like I say, J.J.\u2019s somebody I can trust.\u201d<\/p>\n There\u2019s still a long way to go for McCarthy to realize his upside, but Bynum\u2019s comments can only be interpreted positively.<\/p>\n NFL <\/em>Network<\/em>\u2018s<\/span>\u00a0Tom Pelissero posted to\u00a0X<\/em><\/a> on Wednesday morning, \u201cThe Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they\u2019re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say. The team plans to add a veteran. But they\u2019re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as QB1.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Vikings continue to explore multiple options for a veteran QB addition, whether through free agency or a trade. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers\u2019 options are now focused on the Steelers and Giants.\u201d<\/p>\n That tweet all but ended Rodgers-to-Vikings offseason theories, which were the only thing separating McCarthy from his claim to QB1. <\/p>\n The McCarthy era in Minneapolis is here. <\/p>\n McCarthy became a Viking last April from Round 1 of the draft, chosen by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah with the 10th overall pick. He tore his meniscus four months later, ending his maiden voyage season and paving the way for Sam Darnold to grab the QB1 job. Minnesota later finished the 2024 campaign with a 14-3 record sans McCarthy. <\/p>\n Some questioned his recovery in recent months, concerned that McCarthy had \u201clost too much weight\u201d or that an extra injection in his knee was a major second surgery. But recently, Minnesota has only provided chipper updates about McCarthy\u2019s return, brushing aside illegitimate weight fears.<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/jjmpre.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=704,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/jjmpre.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/jjmpre.jpg” alt> In fact, McCarthy has reportedly been adding weight \u2014 a no-brainer for most athletes while recovering from a knee injury.<\/p>\n Most fodder involving McCarthy this offseason has been conjured out of fear or Vikings fans\u2019 familiarity with always <\/em>having a veteran quarterback and never ripping off the Band-Aid with a 1st-Round youngster.<\/p>\n Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Daniel Jones left last week for the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts, respectively.<\/p>\n They\u2019re not coming back.<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/darnoldatseas.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=648,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/darnoldatseas.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/darnoldatseas.jpg” alt> The Vikings are stuck with the \u201cmaniac\u201d described by Bynum, and it\u2019s time to sink or swim with the 22-year-old.<\/p>\n Most onlookers expect Minnesota to add a veteran quarterback soon, perhaps Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, or Drew Lock, as McCarthy\u2019s backup. <\/p>\n Dustin Baker<\/em><\/a> is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, <\/em>VikesNow<\/em><\/a>. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, \u2018The Sopranos,\u2019 Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as <\/em>the NFL<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n All statistics provided by <\/em>Pro Football Reference \/ Stathead<\/em><\/a>; all contractual information provided by <\/em>OverTheCap.com<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/main><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFootball Vikings QB Is a Football \u201cManiac\u201d<\/h2>\n
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes a moment to watch TCU celebrate after Michigan lost, 51-45 at the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. \u00a9 Kirthmon F. Dozier \/ USA TODAY NETWORK.<\/p>\n
Football Camryn Bynum\u2019s Comments<\/h2>\n
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) celebrates his fumble recovery against Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
Football Aaron Rodgers No Longer Applicable<\/h2>\n
Football McCarthy\u2019s Meniscus Recovery<\/h2>\n
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops back against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.<\/p>\n
Football 3 QBs Left the Vikings<\/h2>\n
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
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