The Minnesota Vikings failed to do right by Justin Jefferson with their decisions at quarterback this season, which is something that may be taking a toll on the superstar wide receiver as the year progresses.
Video of Jefferson and 2024 Vikings QB Sam Darnold following a 26-0 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, November 30 turned multiple heads, as the Vikings fell to 4-8 and essentially forfeited their chance at a repeat playoff appearance.
“Former teammates Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson share a moment postgame,” the official NFL X account posted.
It is not uncommon for competitors to to interact positively during a postgame meeting, but other factors have played into the speculation that Jefferson may not be happy with how Minnesota has gone about building its offense following a 14-3 playoff campaign last year with Darnold at the helm of the offense.
Jefferson, a captain and often a spokesperson for his team in recent years, chose not to speak with media members following the shutout loss, which undrafted rookie Max Brosmer quarterbacked.
“Justin Jefferson left the locker room after the Vikings loss today without talking to reporters,” Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported.
Field Yates of ESPN chimed in on social media, making a point that certainly isn’t lost on Jefferson as he faces the end of what is now essentially a lost season.
“This season must be unbelievably frustrating for Justin Jefferson,” Yates wrote, reposting information from ESPN colleague Kevin Siefert that Jefferson posted a career-worst four receiving yards on just two receptions against Seattle. “Not sure any superstar WR has received less help from his QB play this season than Jettas.”
Vikings Let 2 Successful NFL Starters Leave in Free Agency This Offseason
GettyQuarterback Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has a well-known ability to develop quarterbacks and/or extract the best possible performances from them. That said, this season has been an abject failure with regards to JJ McCarthy and Brosmer.
Darnold did not play well against Minnesota, producing just 14-of-26 completions for 148 yards. But he has played reasonably well for a Seahawks team that is 9-3 and tied with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams for the best record in the NFC.
Meanwhile, Brosmer threw four interceptions on Sunday. McCarthy is 2-4 as the team’s starter in 2025 and has put up six TDs compared to 10 INTs on the season.
O’Connell and company didn’t just let Darnold leave in free agency, but also Daniel Jones who is 8-4 with the Indianapolis Colts. Both quarterbacks have had ups and downs this season, and neither is among the elite of the elite at the position. That said, Minnesota has arguably a championship-caliber roster outside of the quarterback spot and has gotten among the worst play there all season between starting stints from McCarthy, Brosmer and Carson Wentz.
Vikings Need New Plan at QB to Appease Justin Jefferson
GettyMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson has already been the subject of widespread trade speculation, though nothing could happen before next offseason.
He is under contract on a through 2028 on a $140 million extension, so any movement is unlikely through next season.
That said, if the Vikings don’t improve at the QB position in 2026 and/or show a real plan for the future, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that their superstar wideout might ask for a change of scenery ahead of the 2027 campaign — if not sooner.
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