The Minnesota Vikings quarterback has a very different atmosphere than a year ago, when JJ McCarthy was the No. 1 pick. The arrival of Kyler Murray and the retention of Carson Wentz have McCarthy’s future up in the air as he enters Year 3.
After Murray signed a one-year deal, the former No. 1 overall pick has been expected to jump McCarthy into the starting spot. At the very least, receiver Justin Jefferson believes the pressure now on the third-year quarterback will be good for his development.
“I’m definitely looking for those big, exciting plays [from Murray],” Jefferson said Monday, via ESPN. “I’m definitely looking forward to his speed, his quickness, his arm strength that he’s shown countless times over the years.
“And so for JJ, for somebody to come into that room with that type of talent, that type of talent, he’s got to step it up a little bit. So it’s good for him to feel that kind of pressure and to kind of lock himself in and say, ‘It’s either now or I’m going to take the seat back again.’ So it’s all competitive thinking when it comes to things like this. So it’s all about who’s ready for that moment and who’s ready to step up and take that initiative.”
The chemistry between Jefferson and McCarthy last season was that of two middle schools attending their first dance. The duo never seemed to be on the same page, and McCarthy’s inaccuracy led to frustration and long stretches without major production from the former Offensive Player of the Year.
Jefferson posted a career-low 1,048 yards on 84 catches with two touchdowns in 17 games. The only other time in his six-year career that he fell shy of 1,400 yards was in 2023, when he played 10 games due to injury (1,074).
Jefferson said he spent time with McCarthy this season working on their chemistry and believes the QB is “much more confident” than a year ago.
The question is whether 2024 no. The No.10 pick will step up and battle Murray for the starting gig or become the latest first-rounder to seek another chance elsewhere.
“It’s really good to get some good talent in the room to give a little spark in the room,” Jefferson said, “to see a competitive edge and from those guys to really lock in and do what we expect them to do, which is come in and be that guy. And we need that one guy on this team. So I’m definitely excited for this room, excited to see what these guys in camp have in store.”