It’s early in the NFL offseason program, but something looked different for the Minnesota Vikings this spring.
It was Justin Jefferson.
Coming off NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022, Jefferson was embroiled in a two-year negotiating period for a lucrative four-year, $140 million extension and did not attend voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) in back-to-back offseasons.
However, seizing the role as the team’s highest-paid player comes with new responsibility. Jefferson was a full participant in OTAs and mandatory minicamps, which closed on Thursday, June 12.
What functions largely as a passing camp couldn’t have been more tantamount to the Vikings’ success this year, which will hinge on getting J.J. McCarthy ready to be the team’s starting quarterback.
Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller noted the change in Jefferson’s leadership and demeanor after his fleeting presence at spring workouts earlier in his career.
Justin Jefferson Maturing at a Crucial Time for Vikings
While Coller maintained that he has never questioned Jefferson’s dedication to the team, the superstar wide receiver has elevated his role as a leader this offseason with his presence this spring.
“I have sensed a different tone from Justin Jefferson. I think he realizes… where this quarterback goes is where this franchise is going to go; and where this quarterback goes is where Justin Jefferson’s going to take him. He has really taken this leadership role as something that now feels very important to him,” Coller said on a June 12 episode of the “Purple Insider” podcast.
The departure of Kirk Cousins prompted a transition of leadership that Jefferson has embraced.
While McCarthy is the one who will ultimately be replacing the long-time Vikings quarterback, Jefferson’s presence on and off the field is surely a benefit for the 22-year-old quarterback, still growing into his own.
“Jefferson has really put the onus on himself to command this franchise now and be that guy. … You’re seeing somebody mature into their mid-20s, into their prime, into that type of role as a superstar, and it’s really something to see,” Coller added. “It seems like he is taking this other step intentionally to another level of leadership, which is a huge deal. I think for the entire franchise and the success chances for J.J. McCarthy, because he’s always going to have the best receiver in the NFL in his corner.”
Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy Reflect on 1st Spring Together
Getty| J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during training camp.
At minicamps last spring, Sam Darnold soaked up most of the first-team reps that left little room for McCarthy and Jefferson to build a connection.
That’s why this spring was so important for the two stars to get on the same page early before summer break.
“[Our connection] grew a lot just being around, talking with him, picking his brain on different things and, really, just [reminding him] that I’m here … to conversate about different things he sees on the field, and I’m also there for him off the field, as well,” Jefferson said after minicamps. “Just being a guy that understands his position, understands that he has a lot going on. So, it definitely was great to be around him during these OTA sessions.”
McCarthy, who said Jefferson, “works his butt off every single practice,” noticed an elevated urgency this spring with the Vikings looking like a contender in the making.
“That just rubs off on everyone, especially when your best player’s giving it his all,” McCarthy said. “So, nobody has any excuse to do anything less. He’s just authentically him every single day.”
