J.J. McCarthy, drafted by the Vikings in 2024, has announced his retirement after disappointing results. Kevin O’Connell's first quarterback pick, Jaren Hall, was also drafted in 2023 but was not expected to replace Kirk Cousins.
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
In 2024, the Vikings spent the tenth overall pick to acquire rookie passer J.J. McCarthy. He was supposed to be Kevin O’Connell’s big project, his first shot at finding a true franchise quarterback. So far, the results have been disappointing.
A year earlier, O’Connell had already drafted his first quarterback since joining the Vikings in 2022. Day 3 pick Jaren Hall was never expected to take over from Kirk Cousins, but at one point, he was actually asked to do just that.
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall (16) calls out before the snap against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Hall has now announced his retirement on Instagram.
“There’s a lot I could say, but mostly I just feel grateful. Sports have been woven into nearly every part of my life — they’ve challenged me, humbled me, shaped my faith, introduced me to lifelong friendships, and given me experiences I never could have imagined.”
J.J. McCarthy announced his retirement due to disappointing results since being drafted by the Vikings.
J.J. McCarthy was seen as Kevin O’Connell's first major project to find a franchise quarterback for the Vikings.
Jaren Hall was drafted by the Vikings in 2023 as a Day 3 pick and was not expected to take over from Kirk Cousins but was asked to step in at one point.
J.J. McCarthy's retirement leaves the Vikings needing to reassess their quarterback options as they look for a franchise player.
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With Cousins entering the final year of his contract (and getting up there in age), the Vikings took a shot late in the 2023 draft. Though not the greatest odds, there was still a chance he could be a massive hit and suddenly start for the franchise. They are rare, but Brock Purdys still exist. Even the normal outcome of him becoming a backup for years to come was an intriguing thought.
Hall’s first preseason was a little shaky and it was clear that he wouldn’t immediately unseat QB2 Nick Mullens for the backup job. Patience was required. Things changed a few weeks later when Cousins suffered his torn Achilles tendon. Mullens was on IR with a back injury at the time and Hall was suddenly asked to play meaningful NFL snaps.
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall (16) passes the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
A week after the Cousins disaster, Hall was the starter. Unfortunately, he lasted only two drives before suffering a concussion, as he attempted to find the endzone on a scramble. Joshua Dobbs entered the game, kicking off the Dobbs-mania storyline.
The Vikings then rotated through Dobbs and the recovered backup Mullens, but later in the season, ahead of a must-win contest against the Packers, O’Connell once again turned to Hall. Both Mullens and Dobbs had massive turnover problems; perhaps Hall could limit that, the idea went.
That day, Hall looked like a fifth-round rookie, struggling to see the field and crumbling under the pressure of the situation, but also the pressure Green Bay’s defense provided. Mullens replaced him to start the second half.
After the season, Cousins and Dobbs dipped, while McCarthy and Sam Darnold arrived. With Mullens still in the mix, the sophomore out of BYU dropped to fourth on the depth chart and was eventually released despite McCarthy’s season-ending injury in favor of new signing Brett Rypien.
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall (16) passes the ball over Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.
Hall then headed to Seattle’s practice squad and provided depth behind Geno Smith and Sam Howell, but never saw the field again. Last year, the Seahawks fired him in the offseason and he hasn’t been with a team since. A few try-outs didn’t lead to anything and neither did a move to the UFL earlier this year.
Hall added in his farewell post, “From growing up in this community, to representing my hometown, to having the opportunity to play in the NFL, it has all been a blessing. What I’ll carry most isn’t the milestones, but the people — teammates, coaches, family, and a community that supported me every step of the way. My heart is full as I close this chapter and finish my football career. I’m thankful to everyone who’s been part of the journey. The game has given me more than I could ever give back.”
In three NFL years, Hall played in three games, completing 13 of 20 passes for 168 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. Hall just turned 28.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.