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While many have already written JJ McCarthy off, he’s only entering the third season of his career and is still very much developing his quarterback skills. Amid his position battle with veteran Kyler Murray, wide receiver Justin Jefferson opened up about the progress McCarthy has made this offseason.
After wrapping up mandatory minicamp on Thursday, the 26-year-old pass catcher claimed that McCarthy is playing a bit smarter than he was and has improved his ability to throw touch passes, according to VikingzFanPage. Jefferson made it clear that the improvement in throwing touch passes is the most drastic change at this point in the offseason.
“He’s definitely gotten a little bit more smarter into reading the different coverages, understanding the different throws that he’s making,” said Jefferson about McCarthy. “Everything doesn’t have to be 100 miles per hour. Just some throws you can put a little touch on it and get it to the spot. I feel like that’s one of his most impactful improvements that he has made.”
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on the improvements he’s seen from JJ McCarthy:
“He’s definitely gotten a little bit more smarter into reading the different coverages, understanding the different throws that he’s making. Everything doesn’t have to be 100 miles per hour, just some… pic.twitter.com/2sV7zLouoF
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 11, 2026
Those improvements could be what McCarthy needs to potentially win the starting quarterback job over Murray. However, the starting role will ultimately be decided by head coach Kevin O’Connell.
McCarthy is entering the third year of his career. He missed the entire 2024-25 season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. However, the former Michigan Wolverine bounced back from the injury and stepped in as the starter for the Vikings last season.
Things didn’t quite go as planned, as McCarthy finished with just 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 57.6% completion percentage. He was also limited to 10 games, as JJ McCarthy dealt with a string of injuries, including a high right ankle sprain and a concussion.
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