The Minnesota Vikings have taken a decisive step towards securing its franchise quarterback by trading up one spot with the New York Jets to acquire the No. 10 overall pick, selecting Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy.

"We're very big here on quarterbacks and how differently they can impact the game," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said of McCarthy. "What I can tell you is that he is somebody whose skill set is something we're really excited about. From a talent standpoint, he was as talented as anybody in the draft."

To acquire McCarthy, Adofo-Mensah traded the team’s No. 11 overall pick, along with their 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 129) and 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 157), in return for the No. 10 overall pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 203).

“This business is about taking a little risk and getting a reward,” Adofo-Mensah said of trading up one spot with the Jets. “I think we got that in the end.”

McCarthy, 21, is not only one of the youngest players in the 2024 NFL Draft, but also enters the league as the draft’s most accomplished quarterback coming out of college. 

The former Wolverine has a knack for winning wherever he goes, tracing back to his high school days at Nazareth Academy. There, he led the team to a remarkable 26–2 record with consecutive appearances in the IHSA Class 7A state championship game, ultimately clinching the state title as a sophomore in 2018.

His winning streak continued upon his arrival at Michigan. Throughout his college career, McCarthy boasted a stellar 27-1 record with the Wolverines, culminating in a national championship victory. 

Not only did he secure wins, but he also left an enduring mark on the program, setting records in single-season completion percentage (72.3% in 2023), career completion percentage (67.6%), and lowest career interception percentage (1.54%).

McCarthy won't face immediate pressure to start or be viewed as the franchise's savior. The team secured Sam Darnold in free agency as its bridge quarterback for the season, signing him to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.

The Vikings have long awaited the opportunity to secure its first franchise quarterback since arguably Fran Tarkenton. Now, they have the chance with McCarthy, who steps in to fill the void left by Kirk Cousins, following his departure to the Falcons in free agency.