The Minnesota Vikings face a crucial offseason decision regarding their second-year quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. The team must determine whether to continue developing McCarthy as their starting quarterback or explore other options. McCarthy”s career has been tumultuous; he missed his entire rookie season due to injury and faced significant setbacks during his second year. His performance on the field has been inconsistent, marked by moments of brilliance and stretches of struggle.
In nine starts, McCarthy has accumulated 1,450 passing yards, along with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While he has yet to demonstrate his ability to consistently win games in the league, he has shown flashes of potential that suggest he could develop into a reliable starter.
Justin Jefferson, the star wide receiver for the Vikings, has made it clear that he is in favor of McCarthy continuing as the team”s quarterback for the upcoming season. “Of course I would love for him to be here. Of course I would love for him to be the quarterback,” Jefferson stated as the team prepares for Week 18. “Especially off this year. I feel like he needs to show everybody and prove to everybody that he is that top-tier quarterback. So I would love to have him. I would love to work with him and show everybody that he is that No. 1 guy.”
Jefferson plans to work with McCarthy during the offseason to enhance their chemistry and address some of the habits that seemed to hinder the quarterback”s performance throughout the season. Notably, Jefferson had the least productive year of his career in 2025 with McCarthy as his main quarterback, indicating that he must see potential in McCarthy that inspires confidence for the future.
Moreover, Jefferson”s endorsement of McCarthy carries considerable weight within the Vikings” organization. Given that the team has gone through three different starting quarterbacks over the past three seasons, Jefferson”s public support could significantly influence the front office”s decision-making process regarding McCarthy”s future.
