The Minnesota Vikings are solidifying their plans for 2025, with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy set to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. After missing his rookie season due to a torn meniscus, McCarthy is expected to lead an offense built around key playmakers, including star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, is known for his gaming interests and frequently streams on Twitch. During a recent live session, he was met with a familiar recruitment pitch from Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase, his former LSU teammate.
“Hey, chat. I can get Justin to come to the Bengals, ya’ll,” Chase joked on their joint Twitch stream on March 30.
Without hesitation, Jefferson shut down the idea. “Ya can’t,” he responded flatly. “They just gave Uno [Chase] the keys to the crib. I can’t have the keys to the crib too.”
Chase recently signed a four-year, $161 million deal with Cincinnati, surpassing Jefferson’s own four-year, $140 million contract from 2024. However, Jefferson still holds the highest guaranteed money for a wide receiver, securing $88.7 million compared to Chase’s $73.9 million. With his age and elite production, Jefferson is likely to command another lucrative extension before turning 30.
McCarthy Already Earning Jefferson’s Approval
During the same Twitch stream, Jefferson offered a glimpse of his faith in McCarthy—at least virtually. When a viewer suggested he swap out former Vikings QB Sam Darnold for McCarthy in Madden 25, Jefferson obliged. On the very first play, he launched a 75-yard touchdown pass to virtual Jalen Nailor, reacting with excitement.
Fans quickly took notice.
“Justin Jefferson puts J.J. McCarthy in the game and instantly throws a 75-yard touchdown ,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The scene was reminiscent of McCarthy’s brief preseason action in 2024, when he connected on a 45-yard touchdown to Trishton Jackson against the Las Vegas Raiders. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined him for the rest of the year, preventing him from developing chemistry with Jefferson on the field.
Vikings Show Full Commitment to McCarthy
Jefferson’s growing comfort with McCarthy will be crucial as the Vikings prepare to hand him the starting role. Head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized the team’s confidence in their young quarterback during the NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
“We wanted to make sure J.J. feels he’s in a position to hit the ground running this spring, have a great spring, and put himself in position to have a great 2025,” O’Connell stated.
While Minnesota previously explored veteran options like Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, and Ryan Tannehill—who shares an agent with McCarthy—they have yet to make a move on any of those quarterbacks.
With OTAs set to begin in May, McCarthy will get his first full opportunity to prove himself. The Vikings had already believed he could challenge Darnold last season before his injury. Now, with a clean slate and no physical setbacks, McCarthy appears to have a clear path to QB1—if he can seize it.
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