J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson didn't get many reps together last year, after the quarterback suffered a season-ending knee injury before the campaign began.
The Minnesota Vikings' duo is making up for lost time this offseason, spending time both on and off the field together. Jefferson told Yahoo Sports' Jason Fitz that his goal is to know as much about the young signal-caller so their chemistry is on point when it counts.
"As his teammate and as a captain of the team, just trying to make him dialed in every chance that I can," Jefferson said. "Our lockers are right next to each other, so every chance that I get to talk to him about football, about anything that goes on outside of football. Just try to get to know him as much as I can because when the season comes and whenever we're locked in, I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there."
The Vikings displayed their confidence in McCarthy this offseason by not bringing in a proven veteran -- i.e., Aaron Rodgers -- to take over if the waters get rough. The trade for Sam Howell won't push McCarthy, barring another injury.
Without a massive expense at quarterback, Minnesota bulked up the roster around McCarthy this offseason, upgrading the offensive line and defensive front. It's an excellent roster, but one big question remains at quarterback.
Kevin O'Connell's offense is QB-friendly, immediately providing confidence that McCarthy can hit the ground running. Jefferson's doing his part to ensure that the second-year quarterback succeeds in his first real action. If McCarthy supersedes Sam Darnold's 2024 season, the Vikings will be a team to reckon with in the NFC.
