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The Minnesota Vikings had everything going for them up until the last week of the regular season. Sam Darnold was playing efficient football and Justin Jefferson was happy. Then their loss to the Detroit Lions in their final regular season game and their subsequent playoff exit did not sit well.
In the space of those two games, Sam Darnold was a combined 43-81 from the field for a grand total of 411 yards. Along with that, he threw one interception to go along with one touchdown. In that final playoff game, he was also sacked a stunning nine times.
The situation of the Vikings has changed over the past two weeks. Prior to that, discussions centered around the team possibly franchise-tagging Darnold and trading rookie JJ McCarthy. But those two games have changed the narrative.
On top of that, with the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position was touted as the reason Justin Jefferson likely gestured that he wanted to leave. When he gathered earlier at the team facilities, reporters asked him about his commitment.
I have a new contract, 3 or 4 more years on that contract. I’m locked in, it’s going to be here for those years. Just looking forward to what we have coming up.
Justin Jefferson said
Justin Jefferson is fully committed to the #Vikings, and is excited for the new team in 2025:
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 15, 2025
“I have a new contract, 3 or 4 more years on that contract. I’m locked in, it’s going to be here for those years. Just looking forward to what we have coming up.”
: @Vikings YouTube pic.twitter.com/RnSWTuRCe7
The highest-paid wideout mentioned his contract and added that he was happy with the foundation the team laid down this season. He lamented that he would have not preferred for this interview to be the last of their season, but he is excited for their future.
Justin Jefferson excited for the future
Justin Jefferson acknowledged that the foundation that the team has laid sets them up for a bright future. He then added these words that could point to his excitement for their future with their mind set on targeting the Super Bowl.
Looking forward to the new team that we are gonna have, new players that we are gonna have.
Justin Jefferson said
The mention of new team members is something every NFL team goes through in the offseason. Free agency, draft and the trade market see players moving to and fro. That means, they could look to improve specific areas where the team lacked.
The quarterback position will likely see the Minnesota Vikings focusing on rookie JJ McCarthy. Sam Darnold is a question mark as they try to figure out how to keep him for another season. However, the QB showed all season why he could be a solution for another QB needy team.
This year’s draft is devoid of elite talents. Even though there are not many teams in need for an immediate solution at QB, they could try to tempt Darnold to move cities. If he chooses not to, the Vikings could head into next season with some stability.
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