Vikings' Jefferson urges patience with McCarthy: 'He's pretty much a rookie'

Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson said quarterback J.J. McCarthy will have growing pains in his first year as Minnesota's starter.

"You definitely have to have patience. He's pretty much a rookie," Jefferson told reporters Thursday. "Last year pretty much doesn't count for him. He's still new to the scheme, new to coming out here and throwing it to these different receivers. You're not really expecting him to have the same mindset as a veteran."

McCarthy is stepping into the spotlight as Minnesota's lead signal-caller this season. He missed the entire 2024 campaign with a knee injury after the club selected him 10th overall in last year's draft.

The 22-year-old spent two seasons as Michigan's starter before entering the NFL. The Wolverines ran a run-heavy scheme during McCarthy's tenure, forcing him to only attempt 654 passes across 2022-2023. For perspective, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Cam Ward, attempted 1,436 passes in three seasons as a starter in college.

Minnesota went 14-3 last season with Sam Darnold at the helm, the second-best regular-season record in franchise history. The passing offense thrived, ranking fifth in passing success rate and eighth in passing yards per contest. McCarthy will have similar weapons to work with, as Jefferson, fellow wideout Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson are all returning for the 2025 season.

"It's coming along for him," Jefferson added. "I feel like you can see the confidence he has out there, and if you're in the huddle you see the confidence he has just seeing the play and just getting out there and wanting to make the next play. I feel like his progression is coming along."

The Vikings will kick off their season against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8.