Justin Jefferson has given his honest take on how the Minnesota Vikings’ season might have looked if Sam Darnold had stayed with the team.
During Super Bowl week, the star wide receiver was asked whether the Vikings might have reached similar heights had Sam Darnold remained their quarterback.
Jefferson’s response mixed frustration over how things played out in Minnesota with genuine support for Darnold’s success elsewhere.
Justin Jefferson’s take on the Vikings’ quarterback choices
Justin Jefferson did not hesitate when asked if Minnesota would have been better off keeping Sam Darnold. He pointed to the uncertainty the Vikings faced at the position throughout the season.
Jefferson then explained why having a familiar face under centre could have made a difference for the Vikings.
“Yeah, for sure, definitely. Everyone knows the difficulty of the quarterback position this year, how we were dealt it.”
“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.”
He admitted there’s nothing to be done about it now, even if the question still hangs over the season.
“But it is what it is, it’s on to newer and better things.”
Jefferson on Darnold’s success: ‘It’s tough to watch’
Justin Jefferson also admitted it hasn’t been easy to see Sam Darnold thrive after leaving the Minnesota Vikings.
Still, he made it clear he is happy for his former teammate. Jefferson finished by acknowledging both his personal regret and his pride in Darnold’s journey.
“It’s definitely tough. It’s tough to watch. I love that he’s in the Super Bowl. I’m happy for him, I want nothing but the best for him.”
“Of course, selfishly I wish 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 happy for him, and I hope he wins.”
The comments gave an unfiltered look at how Jefferson viewed the Vikings’ handling of their quarterback situation.
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