There are a few things that spurred this change. And really, they’re all projectable. First, he’s been spending more time in the Twin Cities this time of year, than ever before. That means he is just a short drive away from the Eagan practice facilities.

Beyond the change in his living situation — since signing his massive $140 million contract last offseason — Justin has committed himself more than ever to being a leader who his teammates can rely on. And setting the standard is not a part-time job.

Justin Jefferson reveals reasons behind why he attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs

But when Justin Jefferson got in front of media on Monday, he revealed a chat he had with (probably) Kevin O’Connell about just that. The way Jettas puts it, the Vikings approached him to make sure he was planning to attend voluntary OTAs.

Even before his chat with KOC, Justin admits that, unlike previous years, he was thinking about attending voluntary OTAs anyway, but that his sit down solidified that thought and made his commitment all but official.

Justin Jefferson was probably going to attend Minnesota Vikings OTAs anyway… but a chat with (I'm guessing) Kevin O'Connell cemented those plans.

He continually brought up his relationship building mission with JJ McCarthy and expanding leadership role on the team. pic.twitter.com/z8pYpIYF2P

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 3, 2025

Jefferson: “It’s definitely great to be out here early, to kind of get in the feel of what this year is going to be like. Of course, you know, getting the plays back, going through the plays again, and just being out here, just the whole field, this is always a great vibe. So, you know, when, when they ask for me to be here and ask for me to, you know, be a part of it, it was a no brainer.”

Reporter: “When they asked you to come, were you kind of thinking you would be here anyway, or did that kind of talk you into coming”

Jefferson: “Yeah, I mean, I was most likely going to be here anyway. But for them, you know, to ask for me to be here and, you know, especially with J.J. being our new quarterback, new guys on the team, new guys on offense. So, just being here with them and just making sure that the young guys are, you know, organized in there, knowing what was going on. So, it definitely feels great to be here a little earlier than normal.”

Jefferson knows how key his relationship with JJ McCarthy is

Last season, Justin Jefferson caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. It’s the third season (of five) in which he has gained over 1,500 yards on 100 or more receptions.

In 2025, after hitting those marks with Kirk Cousins in 2021 and 2022, then Sam Darnold in 2024, the Jefferson is looking to do it again with yet another quarterback, redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy. That’s good, because I would agree (as do the Minnesota Vikings clearly) that his connection with JJ means everything to the future of this organization.

Related: MN Vikings Insider Unable to Dig Up Any Dirt on JJ McCarthy

And he made it clear multiple times today, as he has throughout this spring, that his new QB is a big reason for why he feels a need to be so present. Whatever the reasoning is, I am just happy to see Justin Jefferson engaged like he is this season. No doubt, his presence is a big part of why OTAs were as competitive as they were.

Not only were most of the Vikings key veterans in attendance for voluntary OTAs, but according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) during his latest scoop session on SKOR North, the practices this week in Eagan were notably intense.

Minnesota Vikings OTAs were notably intense this week

Not only did the longtime local reporter (who has attended hundreds of Vikings practices) notice the pumped up competitiveness, though. New CB Jeff Okudah, who previously played for the Dan Campbell-led Lions, expressed his surprise with how intense the 7-vs-7 practice sessions were too.

“I thought it was a pretty spirited practice, for OTA session number two. You know, just the competitive nature of it. I had a nice chat with Jeff Okudah after practice. He noted that and so I just thought that was pretty interesting for late in May. I did not expect to see some of the stuff we saw on Wednesday. You know, seven on seven and all that, just how spirited it was, how competitive it was. I did not expect to see that for May 28th.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

If you are a Minnesota Vikings fan reading this article or watching that scoop session, you have to be excited about how this first week of offseason workouts went. For all of the team’s stars to show up ready to work and improve on what was an incredible 2024 season, it’s clear O’Connell & Co. are already locked in and hungry for more success.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Wins Another Award

You know 100% that, not only are other teams missing a lot of big names on their OTA attendance sheet, but it’s highly unlikely others are coming in this focused and determined to get better. That’s a really good sign, especially for a Vikings team that sportsbooks and most pundits are picking to be a middling NFC squad in 2025.

Most Minnesota Vikings OTA absences due to injury

Of course, not every key Minnesota Vikings player for 2025 was on the TCO Performance Center practice fields this week. Most notably, Christian Darrisaw was missing at left tackle (replaced by Justin Skule) and Will Fries was replaced by Blake Brandel at right guard.

Of course, both Darrisaw and Fries are recovering from major leg injuries. The former went out in week 11 of last season with a major knee injury that required surgery. The latter broke his leg. According to what Kevin O’Connell told reporters in his presser, Fries isn’t expected to practice until training camp.

Fries, their top external signing in March, may not practice fully until training camp, O’Connell said, or nearly 10 months after sustaining a broken tibia on Oct. 6. The Vikings’ top nine blockers may be set if they’re content with Rouse, a 2024 sixth-round pick, as a hybrid tackle/guard. Skule, the 28-year-old former 49er and Buccaneer, replaces David Quessenberry as the backup tackle. Jurgens, a 2024 seventh-round pick, is the backup center.

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune)

Meanwhile, Darrisaw was working out with cleats on the sideline this week. The Minnesota Vikings hope he is ready to return for the start of the regular season. It’s also worth mentioning the RG/LG alignment.

Related: MN Vikings Insider Unable to Dig Up Any Dirt on JJ McCarthy

With Fries out, Brandel slid over to right guard, while 1st round rookie, Donovan Jackson worked with the first team at left guard, where he is supposed to be competing with Brandel as a starter. Does that mean Jackson can be written in to start week one?

#Vikings starting OL in yesterdays OTA’s:

LT: *Justin Skule
LG: Donovan Jackson
C: Ryan Kelly
RG: *Blake Brandel
RT: Brian O’Neill

*Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries did not participate due to injury recovery

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) May 29, 2025

No, but it is worth monitoring how many snaps Brandel gets on the left side, while Fries continues his rehab. The other injury absence was Rondale Moore, who continues his rehab from a torn ACL. Not only is he expected to compete for the WR3 job, if healthy, but he could be a factor in the return game too.

Where in the world is Isaiah Rodgers…?

The only non-injury OTA absence that was mentioned by reporters who were in Eagan this week was new CB Isaiah Rodgers. In his absence, the aforementioned Okudah and second-year 2024 undrafted free agent signee Dwight McGlothern got reps with the first team defense. Mechi Blackmon got some run too.

Coaches were getting long looks at Okudah, the former Lions top pick on his fourth NFL team, and McGlothern, last year’s undrafted darling, with the first-team defense on Wednesday. Blackmon appeared to be getting some work, too, as he’s 10 months removed from a torn ACL. Rodgers, the ex-Eagles reserve who got a two-year deal to play a bigger role in Minnesota, was not seen at practice.

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune)

It is important to remember that these workouts are “voluntary” and we do not know why the newly signed corner was not in attendance. Nonetheless, it’s news worth mentioning.

From everything insiders can gather, chatter surrounding JJ McCarthy — who’s thrown just 17 preseason passes during his NFL career — is unanimously positive. This, after the Vikings built a Super Bowl caliber roster around the redshirt rookie this offseason, totally revamping the interior of both lines through free agency and the draft, while also adding depth to the rest of the roster.

Because of those new additions, most healthy Minnesota Vikings players were expected to be in attendance this week, as the team looks to build rapport as quickly as possible. With that being said, if there is one player who would have been excused for missing VOLUNTARY Offseason Team Activities this year (outside of maybe Harrison Smith), it’s superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.

Related: Kirk Cousins No-Shows Falcons

The 2x All-Pro and 4x Pro Bowler has earned the extra time off. Besides, at the end of the 2025 season, health permitting, we all know Jettas is going to finish near the top of the leaderboard in all receiving categories. But as we have come to find out, the longer Justin Jefferson is in Minnesota, that’s just not how the our superstar is wired.

Of course Justin Jefferson was at day one of Minnesota Vikings OTAs

With a new quarterback (and lockermate) to gain rapport with now healthy and wearing his red jersey this week, there was no chance Justin Jefferson was going to miss a chance at putting that horned helmet on (literally) alongside him.

And late-Tuesday afternoon, we got proof of Jettas dedication when the team posted a video to their social medias of Justin Jefferson running out of TCO indoor facilities, to the outdoor practice fields. Right before him, was a video of McCarthy running across the sideline in his helmet and red practice jersey.

Vikings OTA vibes have never been more immaculate pic.twitter.com/IvRmw1uNCK

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) May 27, 2025

One year after signing what was then the largest non-QB contract in league history, Jefferson — who’s going on his third season as team captain — turned around and helped Kevin O’Connell spin former top three pick-turned-bust Sam Darnold into a Pro Bowl quarterback.

In 2024, with Darnold under center, Justin Jefferson caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, bringing his career totals to 495 receptions, 7,432 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns caught, over 77 games.

Why Jefferson would show up for Voluntary OTAs? (Hint: JJ McCarthy)

Last week, Justin Jefferson spoke about his relationship building mission with JJ McCarthy. In that interview, the soon-to-be 26-year-old phenom made it very clear how acutely aware he is to the fact that McCarthy holds the key to Jefferson’s future HOF bust in Canton.

Related: MN Vikings Insider Unable to Dig Up Any Dirt on JJ McCarthy

For that reason alone, it’s no surprise that No. 18 is in attendance today… even beyond what Justin brings to the team as a captain and a leader. Despite all the new pieces on roster, arguably the biggest reason why most pundits still expect the MN Vikings offense to succeed, no matter who’s under center, is Justin Jefferson.

What makes Jets so special, though… is that, while he may be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, through his first four professional seasons, Justin is an even better human and teammate, than he is a football player. And that, my friends, is something you rarely see from professional athletes, especially those with the talent and star power of this man.

It’s an exciting time for the Vikings, as coaches and teammates get their first look at redshirt rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy, after he impressed those around the organization last spring and summer, after being drafted No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft

Then, right as his training camp competition with Sam Darnold as starting to heat up, McCarthy went 11-of-17 for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception (116.8 QB Rating) in his first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, before realizing the next day that something was wrong with his knee.

An MRI then revealed a tear his meniscus, which required surgery and a full season to heal. Now, all of that is behind JJ, as the Minnesota Vikings kick-start voluntary OTAs this week. So far, everything we’ve heard, both publicly and behind the scenes, regarding McCarthy, has been positive.

Nothing negative anywhere to be found on JJ McCarthy

In fact, according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on Tuesday’s episode of Mackey & Judd (SKOR North), he couldn’t dig up any negative dirt on JJ McCarthy, even if he was looking for it. Phil Mackey asked Wolfson if anyone, off the record, has tried to smear McCarthy’s name. The answer… is no.

Not one person out of the many Minnesota Vikings contacts in Darren’s rolodex has offered up one bit of negative information on the future face of the organization. Why? Probably because everyone loves the kid so damn much.

Mackey: “Outside of the injury, literally everything everyone has said about [JJ McCarthy] has been positive. So, I am wondering, is there anything [negative out there about him]? Like, what’s the worst thing we can say about JJ McCarthy right now, 13 months in.”

Wolfson: “I’m not sure there is anything, Phil. No, I mean to answer your question, the answer is no. I have not. And trust me, I correspond with a lot of people. Now, if I did hear something negative, I prefer if somebody attaches their name to the statement, as opposed to me passing it along on background.

But I’m just telling you, truthfully, no. I’ve not heard one bad thing about J.J McCarthy. You think about him leading IMG Academy to a national championship in high school, helping Michigan win a national championship in college. The two, like it’s not a coincidence, put it that way. There is something about JJ McCarthy, however you want to define ‘It Factor’, JJ has it.”

DMackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Remember, the Minnesota Vikings believe so much in McCarthy’s readiness to take over as QB1 immediately, that they were in no hurry to ink a requisite veteran to compete with the Michigan product during camp.

Related: Kirk Cousins No-Shows Falcons

McCarthy’s biggest challengers in Minnesota’s 2025 QB room, at least for now, are Brett Rypien and Sam Howell, young career backups, who are 28 and 24 years old, respectively. Howell and Rypien have combined to make 22 total starts through the course of their NFL careers.

New Minnesota Vikings QB has the “It Factor”…

Yet, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the MN Vikings organization appear unphased by the fact that this redshirt rookie QB, with zero starting experience in the NFL, is about to be tasked with leading an otherwise Super Bowl ready roster into the 2025 season.

But if you have to ask “why” KOC would be so willing to hand the keys over to JJ McCarthy, then you haven’t been paying attention. Wolfson goes on to talk more about JJ McCarthy’s “It Factor” and just how special those inside TCO Performance Center really believe he can be.

[McCarthy] puts in the hours, he puts in the time. There’s a genuineness about him, an authentic… he’s just the real deal…Now that doesn’t mean he’s going to have a Sam Darnold-esque year, this year. Be top 10 in MVP voting. I presume there’s going to be some hurdles. There inevitably typically is, with a rookie quarterback. That’s what he is. He’s still a rookie.

So, I get it. But the infrastructure around him, I’m telling you, I will be shocked if he doesn’t have a good amount of success. As we look at the big picture, as we look at this rookie contract, what I think will eventually be a second contract here, with the Vikings, I think he has success written all over him. I just haven’t heard any negative things about JJ McCarthy.

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Of course, we all know how the story goes from there. Atlanta selected Michael Penix Jr with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, two spots ahead of where the Vikings selected JJ McCarthy, shocking Cousins and his representation.

In week 16, after totalling 3,508 yards on 66.9% passing for 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions, Cousins was benched in favor or Penix Jr., and he’s remained the publicly declared Falcons backup quarterback ever since, despite the $75 million in guaranteed money still owed on Kirk’s contract.

Since his benching, Kirk Cousins has made it clear he does not want to take a backseat to Michael Penix Jr in Atlanta. There have even been reports that he’d be more interested in backing up JJ McCarthy in Minnesota, if QB2 is his only option.

Still, up to this point, Kirk was continuing to show up and participate on all Falcons-sponsored workouts, both voluntary and mandatory, even as recently as mid-April, after head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that he didn’t expect Cousins’ presence at voluntary workouts this offseason.

Former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is a no-show for Atlanta Falcons OTAs

But now, just over one month later, the Atlanta Falcons have gathered at team facilities this week (just like the Minnesota Vikings), for Voluntary Organized Team Activities. One player who did not show up this time, however, was Kirk Cousins, who was always a staple at every Minnesota Vikings voluntary workout, while here.

The first practice of #Falcons OTAs is now underway and Kirk Cousins is not on the field. Cousins has made clear he wants to play elsewhere in 2025. https://t.co/8Uf6DY1mO0

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 27, 2025

While the 36-year-old Cousins did show his face earlier this spring, it’s not a surprise he was not in the house today. The situation in Atlanta seems to be getting more and more desperate, with each day that goes by.

Most recently, Kirk Cousins has been tied to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are waiting on Aaron Rodgers to get over his alleged obsession with the Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Should Rodgers find another landing spot or choose to retire, it sounds like the Steelers could sweeten whatever previous deal they’ve had on the table or have been willing to offer up for Cousins. Deals that, to this point, the Falcons have refused.

Related: The Minnesota Vikings Spent How Much More Than Everyone Else?!

But no matter what happens with A-Rodg and the trickle down effect it may or may not have on Kirk in Atlanta, it looks like the former MN Vikings QB is more determined than ever to escape the ATL, even if it means missing out on offseason workouts.

Now, will the Falcons hold out until practices become mandatory in a couple of weeks? If so, is Cousins willing to take fines and miss paychecks, in order to prove how serious he is; and then, where does the relationship go from there? We’ll soon find out all the answers to those questions.

You can tell he enjoys hanging out at TCO Performance Center a lot more when it is full of Vikings players. During his presser, KOC was asked questions on everything from his relationship with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, to his thoughts individual members of his coaching staff, and even gave a handful of offseason injury updates on key contributors for the 2025 season.

Latest Minnesota Vikings injury updates (Voluntary OTAs)

Not only are there a few 2024 Vikings who are either coming back or still working there way back from lingering injuries, but Minnesota also signed multiple free agents who are recovering from different football-related ailments of their own.

Related: MN Vikings Open to Paying Down Kirk Cousins’ Salary in a Trade?

So this afternoon, O’Connell read off a handful of fresh-baked MN Vikings injury updates, which included the latest on (QB) JJ McCarthy, (LT) Christian Darrisaw, (CB) Mekhi Blackmon, (DT) Javon Hargrave and (RG) Will Fries.

JJ McCarthy – “Full [participant]” for MN Vikings offseason workouts

Not only did Kevin O’Connell talk about JJ McCarthy during today’s presser, but he spent over five minutes answering questions about JJ’s knee, his recovery process the past 9 months and their plan for the 2024 No. 10 overall pick this offseason and going forward.

Here’s everything KOC had to say about his redshirt rookie quarterback, who he remains very excited about. But as far as where McCarthy stands, entering this week of voluntary OTAs, the Minnesota Vikings head coach officially labeled him as a “full [participant], really no limitation”.

Everything Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said about JJ McCarthy at his press conference on Monday pic.twitter.com/t8lR3Pk5HM

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 21, 2025

We knew JJ McCarthy was considered healthy and that he was pretty much considered ‘ready to go’. But you just don’t know how healthy that really is until someone gets on the practice field with teammates. So to hear that JJ has zero limitations during these early offseason workouts is great news.

Christian Darrisaw – “Progressing in his recovery program”

There is only one Minnesota Vikings player recovering from injury who means anywhere near as much to the organization as their future franchise quarterback, and that is left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who suffered his own season-ending knee injury in week 8 of the 2024 season.

Darrisaw is still a ways away from returning to the practice field with his teammates, but his head coach really likes where he is at in his recovery and how he has attacked his rehab, to this point. Of course, when KOC turns a conversation the way he did Monday with Christian, you do wonder about his timeline and whether or not he will be ready by day one.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Trade for Sam Howell…?

He has about six months before the start of the season, so there is plenty of time. In no way does the 25-year-old staple left tackle seem behind schedule, it’s just worth wondering how far out that original return date really was, given how late in the season he suffered the injury.

KOC gave an update (kind of) on Christian Darrisaw today too. pic.twitter.com/Lr4HjKJu9B

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 22, 2025

“Christian [Darrisaw] has absolutely, knocked it out of the park so far. Working alongside our staff here. He’s had a really, really good offseason up until this point. The latest update I got. You know, he’s lifting, he’s running…people were pretty excited about where he’s at now. It’s just a matter of maintaining.”

“And he’s had such a professional focus, with very, very, you know, really from day one, remarkably, he’s just had such a good attitude about attacking [his rehab], knowing exactly what he is and who he is as a player and working his way right back to that place and beyond. So [we] feel really good about that.”

Kevin O’Connell on the recovery of Christian Darrisaw

Mekhi Blackmon, Javon Hargrave, Will Fries “limited”

The final few Minnesota Vikings injury updates today via Kevin O’Connell had to do with two freshly-signed free agents, Javon Hargrave (partially-torn right tricep) and Will Fries (tibia fracture), along with depth cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (torn ACL).

According to KOC, the latter is nearing the very end of his rehab and individual work, before returning to the practice field. He described both Hargrave and Fries as “limited” to start offseason activities.

Javon Hargrave and Will Fries –“Hargrave is another one that will probably be limited a little bit early on, but should progress throughout the spring. Will Fries and Hargrave are kind of in a similar spot, but expect those guys to progress at a pretty good clip, especially as we head toward phase two [of offseason programs].

Mekhi Blackmon –“A guy kind of heading toward the end point of that rehab, from his ACL [injury], and I see him progressing to football activities here as we move through the spring.”

What does this mean? There’s a QB competition unfolding in Eagan and Sam Darnold isn’t interested in losing any snaps to rookie J.J. McCarthy, who he knows is the future franchise quarterback. But just like what’s been reported, the J.J. is going to have to take QB1 from Darnold. Nothing will be given to him.

Minnesota Vikings QB competition: Sam Darnold vs J.J. McCarthy

Today, we got more evidence that Sam Darnold is serious about starting for the Minnesota Vikings. While many veteran players are taking this week off, Darnold is at TCO Performance Center practicing with the team during the final week of OTAs. You can see Darnold in a couple of the pictures take yesterday, that are now on the Vikings’ website.

For those hoping that #Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy was going to get some extra snaps this week with the veterans being off, it does look like Sam Darnold is participating in OTAs this week, per team photos from yesterday’s practice.

📸: Andy Kenutis https://t.co/gPzNAZAL90 pic.twitter.com/y3RklyWxca

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 11, 2024

Sam Darnold spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers, who unfortunately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Throughout the season, Darnold played the role of backup quarterback to Brock Purdy. He did look much improved in the few snaps he took. Improved enough for multiple teams to bid on him this offseason, as a tweener starter.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Gives Update on JJ McCarthy’s Progress and His Rank in Vikings QB Hierarchy

To a lot of Vikings fans, Darnold seems to be filling the role of a bridge quarterback. Essentially, he’s expected to hold down the fort for the team this season while JJ McCarthy, the up-and-coming talent, develops.

It’s reassuring to see him sticking around this week, still serving as a mentor to McCarthy while also growing his relationship with teammates and coaches, as he learns a new system himself.