The Minnesota Vikings’ surprising season came to a sudden halt after a first-round playoff defeat, but standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson thinks quarterback Sam Darnold deserves another chance with the team.
“I’d love to have Sam (Darnold) back and try again,” Jefferson said. “It would be amazing to have him back as the quarterback.”
Darnold played a key role in leading the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record, their best finish since 1998. They made history as the first-ever 14-win wild card team. However, their hopes for a deep playoff run were dashed with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild card round. This came after a Week 18 defeat to the Detroit Lions, which cost them the NFC North title and the top seed in the playoffs.
Jefferson emphasized that the Vikings’ two-game losing streak shouldn’t overshadow the overall success the team had this season.
“Getting 14 wins in this league is no easy feat, and to only lose to two teams the entire year — Detroit and Los Angeles — is impressive,” he said. “To make it to the playoffs, win 14 games, and only lose three, that’s a major accomplishment. So, I’d be happy to have him back in the building.”
Jefferson pointed out that Darnold’s season was even more remarkable given the “negativity” he faced after joining the Vikings in March. Many doubted whether Darnold could be a starting quarterback again after serving as a backup in San Francisco and Carolina for the previous two years, but he proved them wrong. Darnold threw for 4,319 yards, completing 361 of 545 passes with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 17 games, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
Jefferson praised Darnold for overcoming the doubts surrounding him, saying, “For Sam to go out there with all that on his mind and still play confidently and freely, that’s impressive. I’m glad he showed the world that he’s a baller and capable of playing this position in the league.”
Darnold is set to become a free agent after completing his one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings. It’s uncertain whether he will return to the team, despite Jefferson’s support. The Vikings also have rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whom they selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, on their roster.
Jefferson believes that McCarthy will still have his chance to prove himself, saying, “I feel like JJ will get his opportunity to show what he can do.” He described McCarthy as a “sponge,” always eager to learn. Jefferson added, “He’s constantly asking questions to improve both mentally and physically.”
