Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Justin Jefferson Gets Brutally Honest About Vikings QB Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 12:08 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings were arguably in the most unique position of any NFL team last season.

They had a roster loaded with talent, as evidenced by their 14-3 record during the 2024 campaign, but expectations had to be tempered while going into battle with a second-year quarterback in his first year as a starter.

J.J. McCarthy struggled tremendously in his de facto rookie season, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 10 games.

Every young quarterback has their struggles, but the former first-round pick’s deficiencies were under an intense spotlight due to Minnesota’s decision to let Sam Darnold leave in the offseason.

Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warm up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

McCarthy barely managed to get Justin Jefferson, widely considered the best wide receiver in the league, to 1,000 yards on the season.

Meanwhile, Darnold took a gamble by signing with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason and now will be playing in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots after fully resurrecting his career.

Wideouts have historically been some of the most outspoken players on an NFL team, and while Jefferson usually has good restraint, he couldn’t help but offer his take on the Vikings’ quarterback situation.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson at US Bank Stadium.Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

When asked how he believes this season would have gone if his team retained Darnold, Jefferson had this to say, “I definitely feel like we would have done better. But it is what it is.”

Justin Jefferson on if Vikings had retained Sam Darnold for 2025 season:

"I definitely felt like we would've done better. But it is what it is." pic.twitter.com/Ye3vxTZVVu
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 31, 2026

While the star receiver has been vocal of his support for McCarthy, it’s hard not to sense some resentment when you read between the lines.

Jefferson went from at least 1,400 yards in every healthy season in his career to needing a miracle just to eclipse 1,000 in a year where Minnesota wasn’t even close to playoff contention.

The Vikings have hitched their wagon to McCarthy, and his struggles have already played a hand in the demise of former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell reportedly urged caution about playing JJ McCarthy in 2025, believing he wasn’t ready yet, but Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn’t share that same view, per @ProFootballTalk.

“This tells us Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wanted what they got. J.J. McCarthy with journeyman… pic.twitter.com/94jf4CoCf5
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 30, 2026

Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s seat appears to be getting increasingly warmer as well, so the decision to let Darnold walk could have far-reaching consequences.

It feels like the Vikings organization is at a crossroads, and if they’re not careful then they just might end up losing Jefferson as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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