Amid quarterback issues last season, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson saw his stats decline.
Jefferson’s 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns were much lower in 2025 than the 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns he earned on 103 receptions in 2024 when he was catching passes from Sam Darnold.
The Vikings brought in veteran quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, in part to help their star receiver become more impactful on offense. Jefferson has been getting acquainted with Murray’s style. The receiver plans to work with both quarterbacks during the break between OTAs and training camp.
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When speaking to reporters this week, Jefferson noted McCarthy and Murray have things to improve upon this offseason. McCarthy needs to work on his touch, as the former Michigan quarterback came into the league trying to drill the ball into the hands of his receivers.
Everything doesn’t have to be a hundred miles per hour; some throws he can put a little touch on it and get it to the spot,” Jefferson said, via the Vikings.
Murray, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft by the Arizona Cardinals, is learning how Jefferson runs his routes.
“A new receiver that he’s throwing to, he’s trying to learn my route running, learning my moves, learning when I’m gonna break, learning how fast I’m running — all of those different things a quarterback needs to throw the ball,” Jefferson said. “Just working with each other, trying to build that chemistry.”
Jefferson noted McCarthy and Murray are “two different quarterbacks.” They approach the game and throw the ball differently.
Earlier this week, Murray noted the difficulty he’s having building chemistry with his receivers and learning the new offense while he’s splitting reps with McCarthy. Jefferson’s comments are a reminder that the rest of the offense will also need time to adapt whoever becomes the starter.
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