What changes are the Minnesota Vikings facing on offense in 2025?

The Vikings have lost starting QB Sam Darnold, who departed in free agency, and will now turn to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their new QB1. The team also faces the absence of WR2 Jordan Addison due to a suspension, but has acquired veteran Adam Thielen to help fill the void.

How will the Vikings' star WR Justin Jefferson be impacted by the changes on offense?

Despite the roster shakeup, Justin Jefferson is expected to remain the focal point of the Vikings' passing attack. Jefferson has posted at least 1,000 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in all five seasons of his career so far, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL.

What role will veteran WR Adam Thielen play for the Vikings during Jordan Addison's suspension?

The Vikings acquired Thielen from the Carolina Panthers in a preseason trade, and he is expected to serve as an adequate replacement for Addison during the first three games of the season. Thielen is a familiar and reliable target for the Vikings, having spent the first nine seasons of his career in Minnesota.

Home / Sports / Vikings Lose QB1 Darnold, Rookie McCarthy Steps Up to Lead Offense

Vikings Lose QB1 Darnold, Rookie McCarthy Steps Up to Lead Offense

8 Sep

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Summary

Vikings QB1 Sam Darnold departs in free agency, replaced by 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy
Suspension sidelines WR2 Jordan Addison for first 3 games, but Vikings acquire veteran Adam Thielen
Star WR Justin Jefferson remains the focal point of the Vikings' passing attack

Vikings Lose QB1 Darnold, Rookie McCarthy Steps Up to Lead Offense

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are facing a major offensive overhaul. The team's 14-win unit from 2024 remains largely intact, but they have lost their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, who departed in free agency to join the Seattle Seahawks.

Stepping in to lead the Vikings' offense is 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who will make his NFL debut as the team's new QB1. McCarthy, a Michigan product, missed much of his rookie season due to a knee injury but is now fully healed and ready to take the reins of the Vikings' high-powered attack.

Complicating matters for McCarthy is the suspension of WR2 Jordan Addison, who will miss the first three games of the season due to a violation of the league's substances of abuse policy. To help offset Addison's absence, the Vikings made a notable preseason trade, acquiring veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers.

Despite these changes, the Vikings' offense will continue to revolve around the star power of Justin Jefferson. The 26-year-old wideout is coming off another dominant season and is widely regarded as one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL. With or without Addison, Jefferson will be the primary focus for new QB J.J. McCarthy as he looks to make a smooth transition to the starting role.

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