As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the 2025 season, the team is poised to usher in a new era at the quarterback position. While the official QB1 has yet to be named, all signs point to J.J. McCarthy, the team’s 2024 first-round draft pick, taking the reins. McCarthy, who missed the entire 2024 season due to a torn meniscus sustained in the preseason, has entered OTAs with no limitations, signaling a strong recovery and readiness to lead the Vikings’ offense.
Amid the anticipation surrounding the quarterback transition, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson offered a golden piece of advice for the incoming starter. When asked what he’d want the future quarterback to know about playing with him, the four-time Pro Bowler kept it simple yet confident: “Just throw it up anywhere and I’m going to go get it,” Jefferson told reporters on Monday.
Jefferson’s bold statement isn’t just bravado—it’s backed by an illustrious track record. Over his five seasons with the Vikings, Jefferson has consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards each year, even in 2023 when he was limited to just 10 games. In the 2024 season, he showcased his elite playmaking ability, hauling in 103 of 154 targets for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, solidifying his status as the team’s top receiver.
.@JJettas2 has one simple tip for any of his QBs.
“Just throw it up anywhere and I’m going to go get it.” đđ pic.twitter.com/1dXPTP9QHD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 2, 2025
For McCarthy—or whoever earns the QB1 role—Jefferson’s advice could be the key to unlocking the Vikings’ offensive potential. His ability to make contested catches and turn seemingly errant throws into big plays offers a safety net for a young quarterback stepping into the NFL spotlight. As the Vikings look to build around their new signal-caller, Jefferson’s reliability and explosive playstyle could prove to be the ultimate weapon in transforming the team’s quarterback position and driving success in 2025.