Justin Jefferson Sends Clear Message on JJ McCarthy as Vi...

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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Justin Jefferson made it extremely clear how he feels about the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation as they face uncertainty over JJ McCarthy as the team's starter next season.

The Vikings were considered a team that might contend for the NFC North as the season started with McCarthy leading the way. However, as things unfolded, their season unraveled, and much of the criticism went against the young quarterback.

Jefferson also had one of his worst seasons statistically, especially when compared to how things looked with Sam Darnold as QB1 in the Vikings' previous season. Darnold, now with the Seattle Seahawks, is playing in the Super Bowl, while Jefferson has yet to reach that goal.

In San Francisco, site of Super Bowl LX, Jefferson stopped by "Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams" and was asked for his input on Minnesota's quarterback situation.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson

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"That’s not my decision. I don't care who’s throwing me that ball. That’s not my main priority," Jefferson told Adams, adding, "That person that’s throwing that ball needs to throw that ball, and lead us to into that big dance at the end of the season. As of right now, JJ is my QB. For me, it’s to get him to where we need to go; it starts off right now in offseason and getting better now."

McCarthy played in just 10 games this past season due to various injuries. During his time as QB, Minnesota was 6-4, with McCarthy tallying 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns, but also 12 interceptions on 140-of-243 completions.

The team’s depth chart includes Max Brosmer, John Wolford, and Brett Rypien, with Brosmer seeing the field for eight games last season. That said, he threw zero touchdowns and four interceptions in his time on the field.

Minnesota stunned many when it fired its general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, at the end of January. Adofo-Mensah was considered the leading advocate for McCarthy, a No. 10 pick, as the team's star quarterback and starter.

It’s unclear whether head coach Kevin O’Connell shares the sentiments that the former GM might have about McCarthy. According to Purple Insider, rumors suggest that O'Connell wanted to keep Darnold at quarterback, or trade McCarthy, and possibly get Aaron Rodgers as the team’s QB1.

Jefferson has never publicly suggested that he wants a new quarterback in Minnesota and seems comfortable with McCarthy, despite what his numbers have shown. Based on his recent remarks, he wants to ensure that the team and its players are actively working toward the main goal: competing in a Super Bowl, as their former starting QB is now.

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