Vikings, J.J. McCarthy agree to terms on four-year rookie contract

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in the NFL draft, is expected to make $21.85 million, with a $12.71 million signing bonus.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
July 19, 2024 at 11:00PM
J.J. McCarthy became the highest-drafted quarterback in Vikings history when the team selected him at No. 10 overall in April. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Two days before Vikings rookies were set to report to training camp, the team reached a deal with its top pick.

J.J. McCarthy, who became the highest-drafted quarterback in Vikings history this spring, agreed to his four-year rookie deal with the team, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. McCarthy, the former Michigan standout who was selected 10th overall in the draft, is scheduled to make $21.85 million on the deal, with a signing bonus of $12.71 million.

McCarthy, Vikings edge rusher Dallas Turner and Bengals offensive lineman Amarius Mims were the only 2024 first-round picks who hadn’t signed deals as of Friday morning.

The NFL’s rookie deals have been fixed according to a player’s draft slot since 2011; items like the cash payout structure of a player’s signing bonus are among the few terms left for teams and agents to negotiate in rookie deals. But even without his deal finalized into the summer, McCarthy stayed in the Twin Cities for the break between offseason workouts and minicamp, planning to work out at the team facility and throwing with former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen in Woodbury.

McCarthy’s deal was completed before Vikings rookies were set to report to training camp on Sunday. Veterans are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, with the Vikings’ first practice scheduled for Wednesday. The first practice open to fans is scheduled for July 27.

about the writer

about the writer

Ben Goessling

Sports reporter

Ben Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024, after honors in the AP Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests in 2023.

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