After a surprisingly sensational 2024 season in which the Minnesota Vikings finished 14-3, the team wasted no time locking in the architect behind a lot of their success. Head coach Kevin O’Connell received a massive contract extension, making him one of the NFL’s top 10 highest-paid coaches — a well-earned reward for leading the Vikings to one of their best regular-season finishes in franchise history.
But despite their dominant regular season, the Vikings didn’t make much noise in the playoffs, falling 27-9 in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams. Now, they face a pivotal offseason decision: who will be their starting quarterback in 2025?
With Sam Darnold hitting free agency and J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, Minnesota has a crucial call to make. While superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson isn’t making the decision, he’s certainly paying close attention.
Justin Jefferson Reacts to Vikings’ Quarterback Decision
Jefferson, the heart and soul of the Vikings’ offense since being drafted 22nd overall by them in 2020, was recently asked about Minnesota’s looming quarterback decision.
Speaking to Athlon Sports’ Doug Farrar, he made it clear that while he’s not involved in the decision-making process, he’s eager to see how it unfolds.
“Luckily, that ain’t my decision. I’m sitting back, and I’m waiting for all of these decisions to be made. I’m really just showing up and being myself and making the plays that I make. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what we’re going to do with Sam, if we’re going to bring him back.
“Of course, J.J. is going to have his opportunity to make some plays and to see if he’s going to be the starter. I’m not sure exactly what we’re going to do with Sam and the moves that we’re going to make, but I’m always confident in myself. It don’t matter who’s going to be throwing the ball. I’m going to make a play for sure.”
Darnold, who took over as the starter in 2024, shattered almost all the experts’ expectations when he helped lead Minnesota to a 14-3 record, proving to be a capable game manager in O’Connell’s system.
However, the Vikings invested a first-round pick (No. 10 overall) in McCarthy, and there’s growing buzz that the rookie could get a real shot to take over in 2025.
Though Jefferson has stayed neutral on the quarterback debate, he hasn’t been shy about praising McCarthy. The young quarterback has impressed in limited reps, and Jefferson has taken notice, recently raving about their chemistry.
“I definitely can say he’s a sponge, for sure,” Jefferson told Athlon Sports. “He’s a guy that wants to learn. He’s a guy that wants to be a top-tier quarterback in this league.
“So, our lockers are really right next to each other. So, every single day we’re chopping it up. We’re talking not only about football, but just life in general [and] what’s going on. And just having that connection with him before he even steps on the field is something that’s special. So, I’m excited to see what he does.”
If McCarthy wins the job, having the trust of the team’s biggest star could go a long way in his development.
While McCarthy has yet to make his NFL debut, Jefferson is looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table.
“He was doing great before he had got injured,” Jefferson added. “So, I’m excited to see what we’re going to do, who we’re going to bring back, and to see who’s going to be our starter for next year.”
Whether it’s Darnold, McCarthy, or a combination of both taking snaps in 2025, one thing is certain — Jefferson will be ready to deliver, regardless of who’s throwing him the ball.
Jefferson Raves About Playing For Head Coach Kevin O’Connell
While the quarterback situation remains in flux, Jefferson recently spoke to PFSN and made one thing clear — he loves playing for O’Connell.
“I mean, him as a person is something that’s very special, you know, him to be a coach that is just so laid back and just so cool. He’s definitely a player-friendly coach, and I’m just so grateful to be around him,” Jefferson said of his head coach.
“Being with him for three years now, it’s something special, man. Just the way he comes to work, the way he interacts with his guys, the connection that he has throughout the entire year, I couldn’t say any bad things about him.”
Jefferson acknowledged the challenges of being a marked man on the field but credited O’Connell’s scheme for keeping him involved and effective.
“All of the double teams that I’m getting, all of the triple teams that I’m getting… if I’m gonna be stationary, then I’m not gonna get the ball, you know, that’s just what it is. Defenses are pretty much taking me out the game if I’m gonna be stationary.”
This is where O’Connell’s offensive philosophy has been a perfect fit for Jefferson’s skill set. Rather than simply lining him up in one spot and hoping for the best, the Vikings have made it a priority to move Jefferson around the formation, creating mismatches and forcing defenses into difficult situations.
“Moving around, putting me in the backfield, motioning me on the other side of the field—that’s all just, you know, making the defense think a little bit extra, having to communicate a little bit extra, and to get me on those mismatches that I need to be on to get the ball,” Jefferson said.
The 25-year-old wideout expressed major confidence in his head coach and the direction of the franchise, which bodes well for Minnesota as they prepare to make a major quarterback decision.
Where Did the Vikings Rank in PFSN’s Offense+ Metric?
PFSN’s Offense+ Rankings combine statistics such as yards per play, points per drive, turnover percentage, success rate against the run and pass, third-down conversion rate, red-zone efficiency, pressure percentage when not blitzing, and various expected points added (EPA) measures against both the run and pass. These are then weighted accordingly to produce our rankings for each season.
During the regular season, Minnesota had the 10th-best offense in the NFL. The Vikings looked like an elite unit at their best, but they saved their worst for last. Minnesota’s 62.4 (D-) grade in their Wild Card loss to the Rams was the team’s second-worst performance in three seasons under O’Connell, as well as the worst of any team on Wild Card Weekend.
Darnold may have self-destructed, but he certainly didn’t get any help from an offensive line that allowed a playoff record-tying eight sacks. Minnesota conceded its highest non-blitz pressure rate all season (51%), which was also the highest rate allowed this past weekend.
Regardless of Minnesota’s choice at quarterback for 2025, improving the offensive line remains a critical task. The Vikings ranked 22nd in non-blitz pressure rate during the regular season (34%).
The Vikings were a Jekyll-and-Hyde act on offense throughout the regular season, and the worst version came to play in the playoffs. Minnesota’s quarterback choice looms as one of the toughest decisions facing any team this offseason.
