You never know what you have until it’s gone – just ask the Minnesota Vikings.
That reality hasn’t been lost on Justin Jefferson, who has wondered how different things could’ve been if the Vikings didn’t let Sam Darnold leave in free agency after the 2024 season.
‘Everyone knows the difficulty of the quarterback position this year, how we were dealt it,’ Jefferson told USA TODAY Sports. ‘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.’
The 2024 season was a breakout one for Darnold. Originally an insurance option behind rookie J.J. McCarthy, Darnold claimed the starting job after McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.
Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record before falling short in the playoffs. He would depart in free agency for the Seattle Seahawks as Minnesota opted to hitch its wagon to McCarthy. One year later, Darnold led the Seahawks to a 14-3 regular season record and is preparing to start in Super Bowl 60.
The Vikings missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record and instead got to watch their former quarterback’s success from afar.
‘It’s definitely tough. It’s tough to watch,’ Jefferson said about Darnold’s success after leaving the Vikings. ‘Of course, I love that he’s in the Super Bowl. I’m happy for him, I want nothing but the best for him, especially the way his journey was at first, people doubting him and people not giving him the respect. Now they’re giving him that respect. Now they’re seeing that he’s a top-tier quarterback in this league.
‘Of course, selfishly, I wish that he had done that for us last year, but to see him blossom and bounce back right after last year and make it this year, I’m all happy for him, and I hope he wins. I’m rooting for Seattle and I think Seattle’s going to win. I’ll be rooting for him.’
While the former Vikings thrived in the Pacific Northwest, the Minnesota was dealing with growing pains from McCarthy, who struggled in his first action as a pro. The young quarterback also dealt with injuries, forcing the team to start three different quarterbacks throughout the season.
The revolving door helped result in the worst season of Jefferson’s career to this point, posting career-low marks in receiving yards (1,048), touchdowns (2) and yards per reception (12.5) despite playing in all 17 games.
Those numbers kept the star receiver out of the Pro Bowl, which he wasn’t happy about either.
‘Oh, trust me, I was pissed off I wasn’t a Pro Bowler this year,’ Jefferson said. ‘Just with the (difficult) season and still having 1,000 yards, I always try to be consistent and in the Pro Bowls.’
The four-time Pro Bowler wants to surpass the Vikings’ career Pro Bowl appearances by a single player, which is held by eight-time Pro Bowler, Cris Carter.
‘[A Pro Bowl selection] classifies you as one of the best in the league,’ Jefferson said. ‘So it’s definitely tough not being a part of that this year, but I’m determined. That gives me more juice to put that work in for me not to be in this situation next year.’
While Darnold won’t be walking through the Vikings’ door anytime soon, Jefferson and Co. will get back to work in the hopes that 2026 is a return to form for everyone in Minnesota.