J.J. McCarthy's 'Approach' in Camp Reportedly Made Some Vikings Vets 'Weary'

While most NFL players are spending training camp just trying to get through it befor the real games begin, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy apparently had a different approach last summer.

Per ESPN's Kevin Seifert, as the Vikings were going through camp, some of the veterans on the team "grew weary" of McCarthy's "high-energy approach"

It's unclear exactly what that means, nor was there any public indication that Vikings players had any issue with McCarthy.

Prior to Minnesota's final game of the season, Jefferson said he thinks McCarthy can become a top-level quarterback and he wants to help him reach that potential:

"Of course I would love for him to be here and to be the quarterback, especially after this year. I feel like he needs to prove to everybody that he is that top-tier quarterback. I would love to have him and work with him and show everybody that he is the No. 1 guy."

Even going back to training camp, Vikings running back Aaron Jones was very complimentary toward McCarthy.

"[McCarthy] is a very, very hungry and driven player, but also a leader," Jones told SI.com's Matt Verderame. "He's different. In terms of the smarts, I put him in that category with Aaron Rodgers, in terms of how smart he is and really having an understanding for the game."

One of the key storylines in the NFL this offseason will be how the Vikings handle their quarterback room. McCarthy had a disappointing 2025 season with 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 57.6 completion percentage in 10 starts.

Minnesota did close the season strong with five consecutive wins to finish over .500 (9-8), but the team missed the playoffs for the second time in four years under head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Seifert previously reported the Vikings are interested in adding a "starting-caliber hedge" at quarterback in the event McCarthy doesn't take a step forward next season.

The high energy from McCarthy could be needed again next summer when he might be competing for a starting job two years after being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft.