POSITION OVERVIEW: The Vikings are preparing to have a new Week 1 starter for the third consecutive season.
Before any "woe is me" thinking sets in, we'll point out that 11 teams are projected to have a different Week 1 starter in 2025 from the player who opened the 2024 season: Minnesota, Atlanta, Cleveland, Las Vegas, New England, New Orleans, New York Jets and Giants, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Tennessee. You probably noticed the Vikings are the only playoff team from last year among that list. Moreover, Minnesota's roster does not have a QB who has played game snaps in Purple.
Optimism is high for the debut of McCarthy. The No. 10 overall pick of 2024 watched and learned as a rookie while rehabbing a knee injury he suffered last August. He showed during spring practices that he maximized his opportunity to grow in the system. Rypien, who was acquired just before the season, received credit for leading Minnesota's scout team in 2024. Howell was added via a draft-day trade with Seattle. The Vikings did their homework on him before the 2022 NFL Draft in which he was selected in the fifth round by Washington. Brosmer, the former Golden Gopher, stayed in town by signing as an undrafted free agent after setting a school record for single-season completions (268) during his only campaign in Dinkytown.
WHAT TO WATCH IF YOU MAKE IT TO CAMP: There's no class like time on the grass, especially at the sport's most difficult position — and when facing a tough defense. Be sure to appreciate accuracy and arm strength on passes but also observe some of the intangibles of playing the position like the ability to connect with teammates and move past a good or bad play.