The Minnesota Vikings are faced with a pivotal decision at quarterback and would be wise to heed the words of star receiver Justin Jefferson.
Coming off a 14-win season with Sam Darnold, the Vikings must decide whether to re-sign him or move on with J.J. McCarthy and the bevy of cap space they can spend by not keeping Darnold.
Jefferson weighed in on the decision and gave Darnold a vote of confidence ahead of March free agency.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18)
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
In an interview with USA Today Sports, Jefferson said that "I would love to have Sam back."
"Having 14 wins in this league is not easy," Jefferson said during Super Bowl week. "To bring us to a playoff game to win 14 games and only lose three, that's something difficult to do. I wouldn't mind having him back in the building. Of course, I feel like J.J. is going to have his opportunity and his chance, but I would love to have Sam back and see if he can do it again."
Known as an ultra competitor, there were fears that Jefferson would be upset when the Vikings moved on from Kirk Cousins a year ago.
At the time, Jefferson echoed a similar sentiment -- that he would love to have Cousins back. However, Jefferson said in the same breath that he's confident in whoever is throwing him the ball.
"It's funny because we're pretty much (having) the same conversations as last year," Jefferson told NBC Sports. "And honestly, I have the same answer. It doesn't really matter who's gonna be throwing me the ball. I'm still gonna go out there and perform and still try to be my best, regardless of who's throwing the ball, if I'm double covered. I'm gonna make the most of my opportunities."
Jefferson proved himself correct, totaling 1,533 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns with Darnold as his quarterback.
While Jefferson did average the fewest yards per game (90.2) of his career, he was still heavily involved in the Vikings offense and given opportunities to help the team win -- which is ultimately what the star receiver cares about most.
