The Minnesota Vikings continue to prepare for 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to start at quarterback in 2025. The Vikings’ optimism in McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to a damaged meniscus, is bolstered by his supporting cast, which includes Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, is an enthusiastic gamer who broadcasts live from his sessions on the famous social media platform Twitch.
He appropriately responded to a lighthearted recruitment attempt on a recent stream.
“Hello, talk. “I can get Justin to come to the Bengals, ya’ll,” Cincinnati standout Ja’Marr Chase, Jefferson’s college teammate, stated during their shared Twitch live stream on March 30, prompting a relieved response from the Vikings’ star.
“Ya can’t,” Jefferson replied without changing his demeanor. “They basically gave Uno (Chase) the crib keys. I can’t have the crib keys, either.”
This offseason, the Bengals signed Chase to a four-year contract worth $161 million.
That surpasses Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million contract inked in 2024, which made him the highest-paid offensive skill player at the time in terms of overall value. Jefferson still leads in terms of overall guaranteed money, with $88.7 million to $73.9 million for Chase.
Jefferson’s production and age should allow him to re-sign for another sizable salary before the Vikings star turns 30.
Justin Jefferson Throws TD Pass With Virtual J.J. McCarthy, Vikings in ‘Madden 25’
During the same live, a fan suggested Jefferson replace former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold with McCarthy in “Madden 25.”
Jefferson did exactly that, throwing a 75-yard touchdown to a simulated replica of fellow Vikings wideout Jalen Nailor on his first play from scrimmage as his apparent new starting quarterback.
Jefferson’s reaction could provide a hint into what to expect next season.
The footage, as well as Jefferson’s reaction, were very similar to McCarthy’s performance in his only game of 2024, a preseason game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Then it was a 45-yarder to Trishton Jackson for the touchdown, and Jefferson had a similar reaction. Unfortunately for Jefferson and McCarthy, they were unable to develop chemistry in practice because to the Vikings quarterback’s knee ailment.
J.J. McCarthy’s Time as Vikings QB1 Coming
Jefferson’s comfort level with McCarthy in real life is critical, and the Vikings have shown no desire to delay the rookie any longer than necessary during OTAs, minicamps, and training camp.
Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings’ head coach, addressed this at the annual NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
The Vikings had negotiations with Aaron Rodgers. They’ve also been linked to Joe Flacco and Ryan Tannehill, the latter of whom has representation from McCarthy. The Vikings have failed to capitalize on any of these ties.
OTAs start in May. McCarthy will get his first chance to establish himself.
However, it is worth noting that he had given the coaching staff cause to believe he may push Darnold before his injury last season.
This time around, McCarthy appears to be unstoppable in his pursuit of the starting quarterback position, as long as he can maintain it.
