J.J. McCarthy is officially a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft after the Minnesota Vikings traded up with the New York Jets to select him Thursday night. His contract numbers have also been revealed, according to Sportrac.
McCarthy’s fully guaranteed rookie contract with Minnesota is for four years and $21.8 million, along with a $12.7 million signing bonus. He will also have a fifth-year option in 2028 with a value to be determined when that time comes.
McCarthy is coming off a decorated career at Michigan and helped the Wolverines to a national championship this past season.
In the 2023 campaign, McCarthy started all 15 games for the Wolverines, tallying 2,991 passing yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. The 6-foot-3 junior also compiled 202 yards and three scores on the ground.
Fueled by McCarthy’s excellent play behind center, Michigan reeled in its first national title since 1997. For his efforts, McCarthy was named the Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year and a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist.
In 2022, McCarthy made 14 appearances for Michigan, including 13 starts. He finished the season with 2,719 passing yards and 22 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions. He also notched 306 rushing yards for five TDs.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about JJ McCarthy
McCarthy’s talent isn’t only applicable at the collegiate level. Ahead of the draft, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein broke down McCarthy’s potential at the next level.
“Enigmatic quarterback lacking the measurables and splash throws associated with early round quarterbacks but possessing elements that require more study and consideration,” Zierlein wrote. “McCarthy lacks frame thickness and a plus arm. He’s fairly poised in the pocket but is average as a pocket passer.
“His ball placement and timing need to improve to help mitigate an average operation time due to a windup release. McCarthy doesn’t seek to play out of structure but is fairly consistent at making positive plays when it happens and ramps up his focus late in games and on third downs.
“He is confident and seems to have the ability to take slights and digest it as competitive fuel. McCarthy should continue to improve as a passer, but he fails to stand out in many of the areas that tend to be predictive of top-level success in the NFL.”
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