Justin Jefferson sends clear message regarding J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings will have a decision to make over the offseason regarding quarterback second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. They’ll have to decide if they want to continue moving forward with McCarthy as the guy, or if they want to look in a different direction.

McCarthy has had an interesting career so far. He missed all of his rookie season due to injury, and he also missed some substantial action during his sophomore season.

When he's been out on the field, he's been inconsistent, at best. He's had some highs, including his three-TD performance against the Washington Commanders in early December, but also plenty of lows.

Justin Jefferson wants J.J. McCarthy to continue to be Minnesota's QB 

In nine starts, McCarthy has thrown for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He certainly hasn't proven that he’s capable of being a winning quarterback in the league, but he has flashed some promise.

The ultimate decision regarding what to do about McCarthy will be made by the front office and coaching staff. But at least one player would like to see McCarthy return as the starting signal-caller in Minnesota in 2026 – star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

"[But] of course I would love for him to be here. Of course I would love for him to be the quarterback,” Jefferson said of McCarthy heading into 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 also said that he plans to work out with McCarthy over the offseason to further their chemistry and to help eliminate "those habits that he had that we felt hindered him throughout the season." 

These comments come as Jefferson has had the least productive season of his career in 2025 with McCarthy serving as his primary quarterback. So, Jefferson must see something in McCarthy that gives him confidence for the future. Or, perhaps he just wants some continuity at this point, as the Vikings have had a different starting quarterback in each of the past three seasons.

Jefferson’s voice carries a lot of weight around the Vikings’ organization, so you have to imagine that his public support of McCarthy will be taken into consideration during the offseason decision-making process.