After being selected with the No. 10 overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft, J.J. McCarthy has been able to interact with some of his new teammates since Thursday.
Speaking to the media in Minnesota for the first time, McCarthy cited Jefferson as a "key part" of the offensive structure and looks forward to establishing the "connection" with him, as well as the rest of the skill-position players on the roster:
"Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones. The big boys, Christian Darrisaw, Brian O 'Neill, I just met him earlier, Garrett Bradbury. A lot of great pieces that make this organization what it is. Justin is a key part of that. He already let me know, 'I go by Jets,' so we don't get any confusion there. But, yeah, it'll be great to get that connection going with all the guys."
The 21-year-old quarterback also revealed he received a text from Jefferson shortly after he was drafted.
"He reached out to me and sent me a great text," McCarthy said. "He told me confidence is key in this league. And just being able to hear that from him, to be able to get introduced to all the wise words he's going to be giving me over the years, I'm just extremely excited and can't wait."
Even though Jefferson is still trying to work out a new contract with the Vikings, he's almost certainly going to be McCarthy's favorite target when they get on the field together.
Minnesota did sign Sam Darnold in free agency, so head coach Kevin O'Connell doesn't have to throw McCarthy on the field when the season begins.
The Vikings do have a great situation for a rookie quarterback if they decide McCarthy is the No. 1 guy on their depth chart to open the regular season.
Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson are as dynamic as any pass-catching trio in the league.
Aaron Jones, who signed with the team in free agency after being released by the Green Bay Packers, closed last season with arguably the best stretch of his career. He ran for more than 100 yards in each of the final five games, including both Packers' playoff games.
Jefferson is the engine that makes the machine go. The three-time Pro Bowler has averaged 98 receptions and 1,475 yards per season through his first four years. His 98.3 yards per game is more than five yards better than the No. 2 player during that span (Tyreek Hill, 92.7).
McCarthy has the best safety net to rely on as he gets his feet wet against NFL defenses. He will have his first chance to start establishing that on-field connection with Jefferson when the Vikings begin organized team activities on May 20.
