Justin Jefferson Says J.J. McCarthy Can Be 'No. 1 Guy' for Vikings Despite Struggles

J.J. McCarthy has had a rough start to his NFL career, but his teammates still believe in him.

Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson said McCarthy can still be the "No. 1 Guy" in Minnesota.

"That's not my job," Jefferson said, referencing player personnel decisions, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "[But] of course I would love for him to be here. Of course I would love for him to be the quarterback. Especially off this year. I feel like he needs to show everybody and prove to everybody that he is that top-tier quarterback. So I would love to have him. I would love to work with him and show everybody that he is that No. 1 guy."

After missing all of his rookie season due to a knee injury, McCarthy has played just nine games in 2025, throwing for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He's also picked up four touchdowns on the ground.

The former No. 10 overall pick has missed time because of an ankle injury, a concussion and a hand injury.

McCarthy's struggles have led to struggles for Jefferson. He's recorded just 947 yards and two touchdowns and could finish without 1,000 or more receiving yards for the first time in his career.

But Jefferson appears to be trusting the process, even if McCarthy hasn't looked that promising just yet.