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Last season, Justin Jefferson recorded 103 receptions, 1,533 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. However, that was with Sam Darnold throwing him the football; Jefferson must adapt to a new signal-caller in J.J. McCarthy this season.
McCarthy missed all of his rookie season after he tore his meniscus in his right knee last year during the preseason. As a result, this is practically the 22-year-old's rookie year, and with that come mistakes and learning experiences, which Jefferson understands.
On Saturday, Jefferson spoke about the chemistry he is developing with McCarthy, revealing a key characteristic helping him in the process.
"You definitely have to have patience," Jefferson said (h/t ESPN). "He's pretty much a rookie. Last year pretty much doesn't count for him. He's still new to the scheme, new to coming out here and throwing to these different receivers. So you have to have that patience.
"You're not really expected to have that same mindset as a veteran. You can't really have that expectation from him. But we do have the expectation of him being great, coming out here every single day, working his butt off and progressing every single day."
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Since coming into the NFL in 2020, the 26-year-old has mostly played with a veteran quarterback under center during his time with the Vikings. Kirk Cousins was the starting quarterback for Minnesota until he left after the 2023 season, and then last season, he had Darnold as the Vikings' signal caller.
As a result, this is a new experience for Jefferson, who now moves into the veteran leadership role with his quarterback. McCarthy will learn where Jefferson likes to receive the ball and other aspects that come with a quarterback and receiver's chemistry.
Nonetheless, as Jefferson mentioned, he's willing to put in the time and work to ensure that McCarthy has a successful season for Minnesota as they look to make the playoffs again.
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