But at the start of the Vikings' 2025 season program on Monday, April 21, O'Connell made McCarthy's outlook abundantly clear. Offering an update on several players recovering from long-term injuries, O'Connell, unpromoted, cleared McCarthy to enter the offseason program.

Right now, Minnesota only has Brett Rypien alongside McCarthy in the quarterback room. Aaron Rodgers was a possible addition for some of the offseason before the Vikings decided to move on from the race for the veteran quarterback. The team could still be eyeing some other veteran quarterbacks to sign as potential backups for McCarthy.

McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions in his final year with Michigan, leading the Wolverines to a national championship. While he still has no NFL reps, he's spent the past year learning from an offensive-minded coach in O'Connell and is now looking to use what he's learned under center in Minnesota.