Jefferson: Darnold Returning Could've Put Vikings in the Super Bowl

Justin Jefferson said Minnesota would’ve fared better and possibly reached the Super Bowl if Sam Darnold had stayed, citing the advantage of a quarterback who already knew the plays and players. Darnold’s 2024 run helped Minnesota to one of its strongest seasons, but the Vikings slipped to 9-8 in 2025 while Seattle, led by Darnold, went 14-3 and advanced to the Super Bowl; Jefferson also noted his own down year (1,048 receiving yards, 2 TDs) but remains focused on improvement and expressed happiness for Darnold’s resurgence.