JJ McCarthy’s ‘real’ rookie debut was a year late thanks to that meniscus injury, but it was worth the wait. The QB lit up the Bears, going 13-of-20 for 143 yards and two TDs in his first real start. That’s the kind of glimpse that makes Vikings say, ‘Yeah, this is why we paid him.’

For JJ McCarthy, the former No. 10 pick, the setup in Minnesota feels almost perfect. Instead of pouring big money into Sam Darnold, the Vikings poured those resources into the defense and offensive line, building a stronger team around their young quarterback. Now, it’s on McCarthy to take advantage of that support, and if he does, a massive contract extension could be waiting for him the moment he’s eligible. But what does life actually look like for this QB who landed his heavy money bag?

What is JJ McCarthy’s Net Worth?

After his 2024 deal, JJ McCarthy is set to cash in big, pulling a total of $13,509,396 in career earnings with the Vikings. That breaks down to a $960,000 base salary in 2025 and a massive $12.7 million signing bonus. Add it all up, and his net worth is already sitting at around $1 million. And that’s a big sum for a young QB.

The Contract Breakdown

JJ McCarthy’s rookie deal with the Vikings is locked in: four years, $21.85 million, fully guaranteed, and a $12.7 million signing bonus. The Vikings don’t have to worry about McCarthy’s contract right now; it’s all set with salaries and bonuses through 2027. However, the deal includes a fifth-year option, which is standard for all first-round picks. But here’s the thing: if he proves he’s the guy before then, they could throw a massive extension at him as early in the 2027 offseason.

And if we look around in the NFL, Dak Prescott is out here making around $60 million a year. If McCarthy shows he’s the future, he, too, might land in that ballpark, or maybe even higher. Who knows? So, the ceiling feels sky-high if he lives up to the hype.

What is JJ McCarthy’s salary?

Of course, that’s not to say that he won’t be earning big bucks throughout the next five years. Below is exactly what McCarthy will be earning for the duration of his contract.

Combine the base salary and the signing bonus, and the total comes out to be around $21,854,796. Imagine what these numbers could reach if he’s offered another extension after his rookie contract ends.

JJ McCarthy’s Career Earnings

McCarthy may have sat out his rookie year, but he still cashed in. The Michigan product racked up $13.5 million in 2024, with most of that payday coming from the massive signing bonus in his rookie contract.

On top of his contract, McCarthy pocketed an extra $4 million from the NFLPA thanks to licensing deals after the 2024 season. This was the highest total since Tom Brady retired. Newcomers often score big here because their merch is fresh, hot with fans, and tends to fly off the shelves. And there are also the NIL earnings.

McCarthy’s NIL valuation in his last season at Michigan came out to be around $1.4 million. While the exact numbers are a mystery, it’s clear he rode the early wave of NIL opportunities — and Michigan’s huge brand gave him a stage to cash in. He is even ranked #7 on the NIL list of highest-paid college athletes. His NIL lineup included deals with big names like Topps, Bose, and Dunkin’.

His College and Professional Career

JJ McCarthy has always had that grit in him. He was locked in with Michigan pretty early on May 11, 2019, remaining one of the longest-tenured members of the class. The quarterback then capped his college career with a perfect 15-0 season, claiming the 2024 national title when the Wolverines crushed the Washington Huskies 34-13 in the championship game.

Over the course of his college career at Michigan, the quarterback racked up 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions in three years. Talk about precision and poise, add in the 160.5 QBR, and the Vikings’ going that heavy on the rookie contract makes a lot more sense.

And as you’d expect, those contributions earned him big honours. He finished in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting in 2023, earned the Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year award the same year, and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. On top of that, he was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2022 and 2023.

JJ McCarthy’s Brand Endorsements

Even before stepping onto an NFL field, JJ McCarthy had already made a name for himself off it. McCarthy’s been going in big with endorsements ever since his college days. Below are the endorsement deals he has signed over the span of his career.

• Topps
• Bose
• Dunkin
• Alo Yoga
• Essentia Water
• Panini

JJ McCarthy’s Investments and Business Ventures

McCarthy’s off-field ventures take a different direction. In early 2025, he teamed up with a social media creator to hand out pizzas to the homeless, and later they teamed up again to give out tents and heaters during the coldest months.

Back in his Michigan days, he started J.J. For The Kids, a foundation supporting children and children’s hospitals in Ann Arbor and Chicago. He even partnered with ISlide to design custom shoes, with every dollar going to help kids in need. Yes, his work is less about profits and more about making an impact.

JJ McCarthy’s Real Estate

McCarthy grew up in the Chicago suburbs, starting out at Nazareth Academy before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida after Nazareth’s season was canceled his senior year due to COVID-19. Safe to say he’s still living that suburban life.

He’s settled in Sunfish Lake, just south of St. Paul and close to the Vikings’ training facility, after dropping $2.44 million on a new home in 2024. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom house once belonged to Minnesota Twins legend Joe Mauer.

The second-year QB has earned himself one of the biggest rookie contracts in the league, and consequently, he is showing off his business moves with multiple endorsement deals. At the same time, he’s making sure that his off-field ventures contribute to the greater good.