The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation remains a bit of a mystery.
Despite deciding not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, it’s reportedly not a foregone conclusion that his Vikings days are over,
“Per source, the franchise tag at $40.2M for Sam Darnold was too steep for the Vikings, as they believed it would make negotiating a new deal more difficult while also limiting their ability to build out the rest of the roster. Minnesota still wants Darnold back, but the numbers will need to align,” FOX NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on X.
For superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the name under center is far from his biggest concern.
In an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Jefferson made it clear that he’s ready to thrive no matter who’s throwing him the ball.
“I’m not sure who the quarterback is gonna be, and just like I said last year, it truly doesn’t matter personally to me,” Jefferson said. “It doesn’t matter who’s gonna throw me that ball. I’m gonna make the most of my opportunities.
“I’m gonna try to make him look [like] the best quarterback in the whole NFL. You know, just making the contested catches. Making those catches that look difficult be easy.”
Jefferson emphasized that his focus is on chemistry and execution, not the quarterback carousel.
“Just having that confidence in me and just creating that connection with the quarterback, no matter who the quarterback is gonna be. That’s the main part,” he added.
“And just having that confidence in each other to – when it’s all said and done and it’s getting [to be] crunch time, they know who to go to.”
Over his five seasons in Minnesota, Jefferson has hauled in passes from a revolving door of quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins, Sean Mannion, Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and most recently, Sam Darnold.
Whether Darnold will return remains uncertain. Perhaps the likelier scenario is that we finally turn the page to the J.J. McCarthy era.
Or perhaps the Vikings could make a run at Brett Favre Aaron Rodgers if they feel he gives them the best chance at winning the Super Bowl next season.
Regardless of who ends up being under center next September, one thing is certain: Jefferson has consistently delivered elite production in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
If history is any indication, he’ll continue to do so, no matter who’s taking the snaps.
What are your thoughts on the quarterback situation in Minnesota? … Who do YOU think will end up being the starter???
