Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Sends Clear Message to JJ McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings are set to begin a new era of football in 2025. J.J. McCarthy is taking over as the team’s new franchise quarterback.

When McCarthy was drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was clear that the Vikings were going to make him their future. Now, he’ll have a chance to prove them right.

During the offseason, Sam Darnold chose to leave town to sign with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract. Rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers as a possible option for Minnesota, but the team chose to pass on the future Hall of Famer in favor of McCarthy.

McCarthy will have a leg up on most young quarterback. He will have arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL as his top target.

Justin Jefferson is an absolute menace at the wide receiver position. He was a big part of Darnold’s breakout season last year and will be a big part of helping McCarthy get off to a fast start to begin his professional career as a starter.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Jefferson has spoken out with a clear message of advice to his young quarterback.

“Just throw it up anywhere and I’m going to go get it,” Jefferson said bluntly.

That was good advice last season. Jefferson played in all 17 regular season games in 2024, catching 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. Once again, he was almost unstoppable.

As for McCarthy, the 22-year-old quarterback missed the entire season due to a knee injury that he suffered during the preseason. He missed out on valuable reps throughout the year, but he focused on learning mentally. There is no denying the confidence that he brings into his second NFL season.

With Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, TJ Hockenson, and the rest of the offense around him, McCarthy has been set up for success. It will be interesting to see if he is able to come out strong and keep the Vikings looking like a Super Bowl contender.

Last season, Minnesota finished the year with a 14-3 record under Darnold. That is a high goal for McCarthy, but the talent is in place for the Vikings to push for the same kind of success.

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