For the first time since he was drafted in 2024, we got to see Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the field at the same time as All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson last season.
It felt like it was going to be a match made in heaven, but it turned out to be a partnership that stumbled over multiple speed bumps throughout the season.
Jefferson has been making the rounds this week on media row at this year's Super Bowl, and on Thursday, he explained to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio how he's going to help McCarthy this offseason so that he can get closer to reaching his full potential in 2026.
"For me, it's all about getting [McCarthy] out of his comfort zone and getting him to that point where he's comfortable, he's confident in playing and the plays that we're calling. And, of course, you know, just giving me those 50-50 opportunities to go up and make a play."
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson taking the lead to help J.J. McCarthy improve
In addition to finding ways to get McCarthy more comfortable with being uncomfortable, Jefferson also talked about what his goal continues to be as he begins to prepare for the 2026 season.
"The objective is to win a Super Bowl, obviously. That's everybody's answer. But it's to demand a certain type of performance for everybody in that building. Starting with me, obviously, I'm the main one people are looking at to go out there and create that spark for my team."
Hearing Jefferson talk about the Super Bowl after Minnesota just missed the playoffs for the second time in the last three seasons might seem odd to some people. But that's the mentality that he and the rest of the Vikings need to have if they're ever going to get their hands on a Vince Lombardi trophy.
Just look at the New England Patriots this season.
In 2024, the Patriots finished with an embarrassing 4-13 record, and there was a ton of uncertainty surrounding quarterback Drake Maye after his up-and-down rookie campaign.
This season, with a new head coach in Mike Vrabel leading the way, New England ended the 2025 campaign with a 14-3 record, and on Sunday, they'll be competing against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
Quick turnarounds in the NFL happen all the time, so it's not even close to being outrageous that Jefferson is aiming for a spot in the Super Bowl next season.
All the Vikings and their top receiver really need is better quarterback play. Whether that will be from McCarthy or someone else Minnesota chooses to bring in this offseason is something that still needs to be figured out.