“Justin Jefferson Sounds Off on Vikings’ Future—Calls for Key Moves to Reach the Next Level!”
The Minnesota Vikings had a season full of highs, but in the end, they fell just short of their ultimate goal. After a dominant 14-3 regular season—their best since 1998—the Vikings stumbled in the clutch, losing to the Detroit Lions in Week 18 before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
Now, Justin Jefferson, the Vikings’ superstar wide receiver, is looking ahead—and he believes Minnesota is close to breaking through. Appearing on PFT Live, Jefferson shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and what needs to change.
Jefferson: Vikings Are “One or Two Pieces Away”
“We thought this was going to be that year for us,” Jefferson admitted. “There’s key things that we need to do, things we need to look into, and key moves that we need to make this offseason.”
However, Jefferson made it clear he doesn’t think Minnesota needs a complete overhaul. Instead, it’s about small but impactful changes.
“I don’t think it’s really drastic moves,” he explained. “I just feel like it’s just one, two pieces here and there that we need to overcome.”
QB Dilemma: Will Sam Darnold Be Back?
One of the biggest offseason questions for the Vikings is at quarterback. Sam Darnold, who led the team to a 14-win season, is set to enter free agency after playing on a one-year, $10 million deal. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is still recovering from a meniscus injury that sidelined him for most of the season.
For Jefferson, the answer is clear: he wants Darnold back.
“I would love to have Sam back and try to do it again,” he told USA TODAY Sports. “It would be phenomenal to have him back as the quarterback.”
Darnold put up career-best numbers in 2024, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His impressive performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, proving many doubters wrong after previous struggles with the 49ers and Panthers.
“For Sam to go out there and have all of that in the back of his mind and still go out there and play his own ball, being confident and playing free … is a great thing,” Jefferson said. “I’m happy he put out to the world that he is a baller and that he can play this position in the league.”
What About J.J. McCarthy?
While Jefferson is vocal about his support for Darnold, he acknowledged that McCarthy still has a chance to prove himself.
“I feel like JJ is still going to have his opportunity and have his chance to see what he’s going to do,” Jefferson said, praising the young QB’s work ethic. “He’s been a sponge when it comes to learning.”
Jefferson Confident in Vikings’ Future
Despite the playoff disappointment, Jefferson remains optimistic about the team’s direction.
“Having 14 wins in this league is not easy,” he said. “To bring us to a playoff game, to win 14 games and only lose three, that’s something that’s difficult to do.”
With quarterback uncertainty looming, Minnesota faces a critical offseason. But Justin Jefferson’s confidence in the Vikings’ core suggests that this team is far from done. Will they make the right moves to take the next step in 2025?
