3 days after Colin Cowherd ripped J.J. McCarthy, NFL insider reveals Vikings QB's impressive progress during minicamp

Three days after Colin Cowherd sharply questioned J.J. McCarthy’s NFL future, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler painted a far more optimistic picture of the Minnesota Vikings quarterback.

Fowler appeared on SportsCenter on Saturday, revealing that Vikings coaches have been pleased with McCarthy's steady development during offseason workouts.

"I thought it was supposed to be confidential," Fowler said. "We're not supposed to share this with the public. As was told to me, the Vikings feel like J.J. McCarthy, on Day 9 of these offseason workouts, was a lot stronger than on Day 1.

"Coming off that knee issue, they knew he could start a little slowly, but they like the way he's throwing the ball. They feel very comfortable with where he's at going into training camp."

Despite lingering questions about his recovery from a knee injury, McCarthy has reportedly made tangible strides in his throwing mechanics and command of the offense.

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intel on J.J. McCarthy so far through OTAs and Minicamp:

“Vikings feel like J.J. McCarthy in Day 9 of these offseason workouts is a lot stronger than Day 1.”

The Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd questioned McCarthy’s ceiling on Wednesday's edition of "The Herd." He argued that the former Michigan quarterback lacked any standout physical trait that typically defines elite NFL passers.

Cowherd doubled down by saying he hadn’t reviewed McCarthy’s preseason tape.

Training camp will be the true test for J.J. McCarthy

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Behind the scenes, the Vikings appear committed to giving JJ McCarthy every opportunity to lead the franchise forward. The team declined to pursue veteran quarterbacks during free agency, including four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.

According to Fowler, Minnesota’s brass believes in a three-year championship window built around McCarthy’s rookie-scale contract and an aggressive roster elsewhere.

"They didn't sign Rodgers and rolled with McCarthy because they believe in their three-year plan: a young quarterback they like on a rookie scale. So it would be aggressive on the roster without them. They believe they can win a Super Bowl in the next three years," Fowler said.

That strategy leaves McCarthy as the clear frontrunner in a quarterback room that includes Sam Howell and journeyman Brett Rypien. Neither backup is expected to push for the starting role, though Minnesota is reportedly keeping options open.

A Sunday report from Athlon Sports suggested the team could explore a trade for former starter Kirk Cousins if McCarthy falters early. Cousins, now with Atlanta, carries a sizable $27.5 million salary, and the Falcons may be willing to offload.

Internally, the tone is more hopeful. Multiple coaches have reportedly commented on McCarthy’s improved arm strength and pocket comfort compared to the start of minicamp. The rookie missed some early offseason work due to knee soreness, but appears to be ramping up without setbacks.

Receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have previously expressed confidence in McCarthy’s physical tools.

The Vikings' training camp, set to begin in late July, will offer McCarthy his first true opportunity to solidify his role in a high-stakes environment.