Justin Jefferson Stepping up Leadership Role a Great Sign
Leadership of the Minnesota Vikings is a current hot topic after the recent passing of one of the franchise’s all-time great leaders, Jim Marshall.
One of the Vikings’ current leaders — Justin Jefferson — is stepping up his role as a team leader, and that’s a great sign.
It’s apparent in the way he’s showing up for almost the entire offseason program after a couple of years of no-showing OTAs and only coming to mandatory minicamp as his massive $35 million per year extension was negotiated.
Justin Jefferson seizing an even larger leadership role is just what the doctor ordered for the Vikings.
It’s obvious by the way Kevin O’Connell talks of Jefferson “pushing himself in May and June” serving as a strong message to the rest of the team for the best player to be working so hard and being “an energy igniter of the whole building who has come back with a purpose and a mindset.”
Jefferson is still a young player who will turn 26 next week, but he has plenty of NFL experience as he enters his sixth season. He has tremendous credibility as a two-time First-team All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler, and the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
O’Connell has pushed hard for Jefferson to become a team leader by making him a team captain the past two years (and he’ll surely remain in that role this season). It’s even more important now for Jefferson to lead with 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy taking over as the starting quarterback. And Jefferson is spending a lot of time bonding with McCarthy, both on and off the field, including attending Timberwolves playoff games together.
“I got to know him a lot last year,” Jefferson said. “But of course, he being my quarterback this year, being able to talk with him more, pick his brain, see how he throws the ball, it’s a big factor, and I want to make sure we’re well connected on and off the field. And being here early, to bond with the team and the new guys and getting those reps with the quarterback, it makes a big difference.”
Jefferson’s presence at OTAs and this week’s minicamp is of great benefit to him and McCarthy as they work together on routes and timing. Most of the great QB-WR duos have spent as much practice time as possible in order to build that rapport.
Some people question whether a wide receiver or other position player can be a true team leader on offense in comparison to a quarterback. I say absolutely yes, and I’ve seen it on some of the most successful teams I’ve worked with at the Vikings and Titans.
Yes, we had our all-pro QB Fran Tarkenton and Marshall as leaders of the Super Bowl teams in the 1970s.
But one of our biggest leaders on the 15-1 Vikings team in 1998 was wide receiver Cris Carter. Then, on my Tennessee Titans Super Bowl team in 1999, running back Eddie George was an outstanding leader. I’ve never seen a player as intense as Eddie on game day, and that passion carried over to his teammates.
I have always believed that part of the job description for our highest-paid players is to take on a significant leadership role. That was the case with Carter and George, who were among the highest-paid players on the team and in their position league-wide.
When I signed players such as Carter, George, and Steve McNair (our Titans’ QB) to their lucrative extensions, I discussed with them the importance of being team leaders, and they responded accordingly.
That’s what I see with Jefferson on the current Vikings team. Once Kirk Cousins departed and Jefferson signed his new deal, he became the highest-paid Viking. And I’m sure general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell talked with him about the leadership responsibility that came with that huge contract.
Jefferson says he was more of a leader by example in his early years in the league, but he says he is using his voice more forcefully now.
“I had to learn to be vocal and that I have some type of influence on this team,” he said.
“Whenever I have encouraging words or that chance to bring up the team and break us down, that all makes a difference and even just being here makes a difference so it just feels great to be around the team earlier than normal, carrying on that leadership role.”
Vikings Minicamp Observations
1. It’s great news for the Vikings offense to see star left tackle Christian Darrisaw participating in individual drills at minicamp as he returns from his ACL injury sustained last October.
2. More good news on the contract front with No. 2 tight end Josh Oliver signing a three-year extension for $23-27 million total compensation, depending on incentives reached.
3. Watching McCarthy throw in team drills at minicamp reinforces the arm strength he has, as he hit Jefferson, Oliver, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and T.J. Hockenson on big plays, with Addison catching a long touchdown pass. McCarthy rebounded after an early interception by Byron Murphy Jr., who looks great after signing his $22 million per year free agent deal.
4. In his minicamp media session, defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he’s pleased with the cornerback group beyond the obvious fine player in Murphy, as he praised free agent corners Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah and said Mekhi Blackmon is rounding into form as he returns from his ACL injury that sidelined him last season.
He also likes second-year man Dwight McGlothern. “I’m really excited about the entire group,” Flores said.
We’ll see if that means the Vikings won’t pursue another veteran cornerback, such as the recently released Jaire Alexander or Jalen Ramsey, who the Dolphins are looking to trade, or bring back one of last year’s veterans — Stephon Gilmore or Shaq Griffin.
Around the NFL Observations
1. The Vikings are happy to have full attendance at OTAs and minicamp compared to recent years when players such as Jefferson and Hockenson were absent for much of the offseason due to contract negotiations. It’s more significant when key players around the league sit out, including T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh, Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati, and Terry McLaurin in Washington.
However, Kirk Cousins did show up for Atlanta’s minicamp after skipping OTAs, despite still hoping to be traded or released. The Falcons, however, say they’re content with keeping him as Michael Penix Jr.’s backup for the $27 million he’s guaranteed.
2. The unexpected retirement of Lions Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow could benefit the Vikings in their attempt to unseat the Lions as NFC North champs. The Lions’ tremendous offensive line from the past few years is in transition with Ragnow gone and guard Kevin Zeitler having left for Tennessee.
Last year’s starting guard, Graham Glasgow, has moved to center, and the new starting guards at this juncture, who could have growing pains, are second-round rookie Tate Ratledge and 2024 sixth-rounder Christian Mahogany. The Lions still have excellent vet tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.
3. And after taking his sweet time, Aaron Rodgers has finally joined the Steelers after signing a relatively low-cost one-year, $13.65 million contract, plus up to $5.85 million in incentives. Good luck to the Steelers as the Rodgers circus has come to town.
The Vikings will face Rodgers overseas for the second straight year when they meet the Steelers in Dublin in Week 4. The Minnesota defense intercepted Rodgers three times (including the game-clincher by Gilmore with 49 seconds left) in a 23-17 win over the Jets in London last season.
Surprise Rocks Vikings Minicamp
Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year after the Vikings’ 15-1 season in 1998. He now works for the NFL agent group IFA based in Minneapolis and does other sports consulting and media work along with college/corporate speaking. Follow him and direct message him on Twitter– @jeffdiamondnfl
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