Justin Jefferson won’t speculate on Vikings 2025 QB: ‘It’s not my job’
Justin Jefferson won’t speculate on Vikings 2025 QB
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson wouldn't speculate on who the 2025 quarterback will be, with Sam Darnold eligible to be a free agent in March and J.J. McCarthy coming back from knee surgery. Jefferson says he's focusing on himself, and he'll go with whoever the team decides.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings’ season is over after a 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC Playoffs, and there’s already plenty of speculation on who the 2025 quarterback will be.
After leading the Vikings to 14 wins, Sam Darnold crumbled in the final two games. He can become a free agent in March, unless the Vikings place the franchise tag on him or sign him to an extension. After struggles against the Lions and Rams, both of those options seem unlikely.
The Vikings had 21 straight drives without a touchdown until Darnold hit T.J. Hockenson for a 26-yard score Monday night, but it wasn’t nearly enough. The team’s highest paid player, Justin Jefferson, says it shouldn’t all be on Darnold.
"I would never blame Sam for the losses or the struggles we’ve been having, it’s a whole team thing," Jefferson said after Monday’s loss.
Who will the 2025 quarterback be?
What we know: Darnold is a free agent in March, unless the Vikings place the franchise tag on him or sign him to an extension. Daniel Jones is under contract through 2027, and Nick Mullens is a free agent in March.
All signs point to J.J. McCarthy being the 2025 starter, assuming his right knee is healthy after surgery for a torn meniscus. Monday, Jefferson wouldn’t speculate on the quarterback situation.
"It’s not my job to say who’s going to be the quarterback, who I want to be the quarterback, at the end of the day they’re going to figure it out," Jefferson said. "Whoever they decide to go with, we’re going to work with that."
Jefferson’s third QB in 3 years?
Why it matters: There’s a very real chance that Jefferson will be playing with his third different quarterback in as many seasons in 2025. Kirk Cousins left in free agency last year, and Darnold’s future is unclear.
Jefferson had 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. With his skill level, it may not matter who the quarterback is next season. That said, having continuity between a quarterback and receiver is critical in an efficient passing game.
"It was the same type of situation last year. I didn’t know who my quarterback was going to be, and I really didn’t care," Jefferson said. "At the end of the day, I always say that I’m confident in myself to go out there and perform the same way I’ve been performing."