Before today, there were a massive number of questions regarding the Minnesota Vikings’ struggles this season and the performance of second-year QB J.J. McCarthy. Since moving on from Sam Darnold, heavy expectations have been on McCarthy, but so far this season, he has not lived up to those hopes.
This has led to significant frustration from his star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.
Legend Richard Sherman Believes Justin Jefferson May Force a QB Change
In recent weeks, Jefferson has shown his frustration on the field, and the longer the season goes, the unhappier he seems. As seen in many previous seasons, this unhappiness may lead to something drastic, and an NFL Legend thinks that could happen.
Typically, some unhappiness could lead to a trade request, but Jefferson should be in Minnesota for a long time, and a QB change could actually be more realistic. After the QB play Jefferson has dealt with, former CB Richard Sherman believes a change could actually happen.
Justin Jefferson would probably want another QB soon.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 16, 2025
This take by Sherman does make sense, given how unhappy Jefferson has been recently. Combined with McCarthy’s underwhelming play for most of today’s matchup with the division rival Chicago Bears, this discussion is timely.
On the other side, the Vikings making a change at QB is extremely unlikely, and the front office, coaching staff, and McCarthy himself know his development is going to be a process.
So, moving away from the QB change, the bigger conversation is about McCarthy’s overall disappointing play this season, and Sherman also has an opinion on that.
I’m old enough to remember the comments I got when I told folks I wasn’t sure if McCarthy was the answer and they let a good quarter fool them. 🤷🏾♂️ football isn’t an exact science by any means but when your set up with one of the best play callers in football and one of the best…
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 16, 2025
Discussion and opinions about a top pick are inevitable, and regarding McCarthy, it’s understandable why people may be more critical of him than other quarterbacks. The 2024 class is known for the QBs, and McCarthy is always going to be compared. The difference is that all of his competition has already had a year, while for the Vikings, this is essentially McCarthy’s rookie year.
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It will take time for the young QB to develop. Although Minnesota’s star receiver may be unhappy right now, McCarthy is in the perfect situation to reach his full potential, and the real evaluation will start in 2026.