Justin Jefferson provides guarantee amid Vikings' uncertain QB situation

The Minnesota Vikings face a potential quarterback dilemma this offseason. 

The Vikings must determine whether they should keep QB Sam Darnold or roll with QB J.J. McCarthy, who didn't play during his rookie season because of a torn meniscus.

Regardless of who the club picks, Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson plans to make either quarterback look elite.  

"I'm not sure who the quarterback is, and just like I said last year, it doesn't truly matter to me," Jefferson said Monday on "The Pat McAfee Show." "It doesn't matter who's gonna throw me that ball. I'm gonna make the most of my opportunities. I'm going to try to make him look [like] the best quarterback in the whole NFL."

Playing with Jefferson — who finished second in the league in receiving yards (1,533 in 17 games) in 2024 — clearly benefitted Darnold. In 17 starts, the 2018 No. 3 pick tossed a career-high 35 touchdown passes and went 14-3.

The Vikings have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to franchise tag Darnold. On a Monday episode of "Pro Football Talk Live," Mike Florio said he doesn't expect the Vikings to use the franchise tag on the QB.

Darnold could receive a huge payday in free agency. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $40.1M annually. Minnesota may feel that's too much for a player who hasn't succeeded outside its system. 

In his first six seasons with the Jets, Panthers and 49ers, Darnold never won more than seven starts. 

The Vikings took McCarthy — who won a national title at Michigan — with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which may have been a reach. Bleacher Report's scouting department gave him a second-round grade.

However, much like he did with Darnold, Jefferson could elevate McCarthy's play.