Justin Jefferson Gives Honest Sam Darnold Take After Vikings QB Struggles with J.J. McCarthy, Wentz
The Minnesota Vikings went 9-8 this year despite subpar quarterback play, particularly from J.J. McCarthy, who threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) and finished 40th among 42 qualified passers in quarterback rating in 10 games.
The Vikings went 14-3 last year with Sam Darnold, who left in free agency for the Seattle Seahawks, this year’s NFC champions. Minnesota could have brought Darnold back into the mix, but Seattle wanted him as its QB1, and that’s proved to be a fantastic move (three-year, $100.5 million contract).
During an interview with Prince Grimes of USA Today (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk), Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson gave his honest assessment on how he felt Minnesota would have done with Darnold aboard when asked about it.
“Everyone knows the difficulty of the quarterback position this year, how we were dealt it,” Jefferson said. “But having a quarterback that already had a season under his belt with us, knew the plays, knew the playbook, knew the players, throwing to me, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, all these guys, I definitely feel like we would have done better. But it is what it is, it’s on to newer and better things. But I’m definitely happy and proud of him that he is able to reach it this year.”
Jefferson was also asked whether he felt the Vikings could have gone to the Super Bowl if Darnold was aboard.
“Yeah, for sure, definitely,” Jefferson said.
McCarthy, the former Michigan star, was selected 10th overall in the NFL draft in 2024. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2024 season with a torn meniscus suffered in a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Darnold, who the Vikings signed in the offseason on a one-year deal, was QB1 all last year and finished with 35 touchdowns and 4,319 yards. He’s followed that up with 4,048 yards and 25 more passing scores.
Minnesota ultimately decided to move on from Darnold and make McCarthy QB1.
McCarthy had a tough year on the injury front, suffering a high-ankle sprain, a concussion in Week 12 and a right hand hairline fracture. He missed seven total games.
Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer also started at QB for Minnesota this year. Ultimately, the three signal-callers combined for 17 touchdowns and 21 picks.
The Vikings ended up finishing 26th in scoring, wasting an impressive effort from a defense that allowed the third-fewest yards per play.
It was a tough year for Minnesota, which must turn the page. The Vikings made a critical decision this week, parting ways with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski is taking over on an interim basis through the draft.
