Vikings' Justin Jefferson offers brutal NFL reality to J.J. McCarthy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This offseason feels like it will be a defining one for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

With the franchise signing Kyler Murray in free agency, that was a clear signal that Minnesota wants a true quarterback competition, plus, McCarthy isn't exactly viewed as the Vikings' "guy" at quarterback.

Now, McCarthy has a big battle on his hands this offseason to prove that he can still be the guy for the Vikings long-term.

And for Justin Jefferson, he's delivered his thoughts on Murray now entering the quarterback room and what it means for J.J.

"For J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability, that type of talent, he's got to step it up a little bit," Jefferson said via ESPN. "It's good for him to feel that type of pressure and to really lock in and say it's either now or I'm going to take that backseat again."

Well, the Vikings wouldn't have signed Murray if they didn't think they would be better with him instead of McCarthy, right?

With J.J. struggling in his first season as the starter, it became clear this offseason that his future was on shaky ground. And now with Murray on the roster, the pressure has been put on McCarthy to prove he can be the starter.

In an ideal scenario, McCarthy outduels Murray and claims the starting role. But if Kyler shows out and is the starter for Kevin O'Connell, then what that means for J.J.'s short-term future with the Vikings likely isn't good.

So, McCarthy has it all to do this offseason, and Jefferson delivered a brutal NFL reality that is staring J.J. In the face.

Either you step up, or you don't. And which way you go will have a big impact on your career.

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