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QB is Not Justin Jefferson’s Main Priority
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- QB is Not Justin Jefferson’s Main Priority
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
This season didn't go the way the Minnesota Vikings intended for it to. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah placed his eggs in the wrong quarterback basket , and now Kevin O'Connell needs to make sure they aren't repeated .
A 9-8 record and no trip to the playoffs was the end result, but there was plenty of frustration along the way. Justin Jefferson needed a last game push to reach the 1,000 yard plateau , and that's not a great outcome for arguably the most talented wideout in the league.
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Jefferson can't throw himself the ball though, and he knows as much. He also knows the MN Vikings need to fix their quarterback situation, and it isn't his concern as to how that shakes out.
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Justin Jefferson went into the season as the all-time NFL record holder in yards per game (96.5) . That average dropped to 90.2 just 17 games later , and it was J.J. McCarthy that tanked it most. Jefferson is beyond aware the Minnesota Vikings didn't get competent quarterback play last year. He also told Kay Adams (ESPN) that changing the problem isn't his focus.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on the QB situation:
"That's not my decision. I dont care who's throwing me that ball. That's not my main priority… that person that's throwing that ball needs to throw that ball, and lead us to into that big dance at the end of the season. Right… pic.twitter.com/WAjjJg1mQ5— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 4, 2026
"Yeah, I'm going to let it happen, and I don't need to show it either. I'm not going to be posting it on Instagram or social media…That's not my decision. I don't care who's throwing me that ball. That's not my main priority and I've said that multiple times. I don't really care who's going to be throwing that ball. That person that's throwing that ball needs to throw that ball, and lead us to into that big dance at the end of the season. Right now, JJ is my quarterback. For me, it's to get him to where we need to go, it starts off right now."
While Justin Jefferson isn't in charge of roster decisions, and the Minnesota Vikings don't currently have a general manager, he's someone to be consulted within the locker room. Kevin O'Connell knows who his best player is, and Jefferson's skillset goes under utilized if the quarterback position isn't right.
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In 17 games last year, Jefferson was targeted 141 times but had just 84 receptions . He finished with a career-low 1,048 yards and just two touchdowns. Better quarterback play certainly could have pushed those numbers higher.
Jefferson knows that he needs to put in work with McCarthy this offseason to develop a better form of chemistry. He's leaning into a level of blame himself. That said, his play can only elevate an under-performer so far.
Justin Jefferson wants Minnesota Vikings to win
While it's obvious that the goal of Justin Jefferson, and anyone on the Minnesota Vikings, is to win a Super Bowl, they need to have the right pieces in place. Jefferson said, "that person that's throwing that ball needs to throw that ball, and lead us to into that big dance at the end of the season. " Those words could not be any more clear.
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We have no reason to believe that J.J. McCarthy can be that guy based on the body of work from 2025 . It's possible further development gets him to that level, but a 57.6% completion rate and an 11/12 TD/INT ratio isn't going to cut it.
Minnesota will leave no stone unturned when trying to right the quarterback wrong this offseason. Jefferson may not necessarily seek out opportunity to comment, especially not publicly, but it was be naive to think he won't have a voice in the matter.
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