The Minnesota Vikings entered the quarterback unknown during the 2024 offseason, swapping Kirk Cousins for Sam Darnold after six seasons of stability at the position.
Signed to a one-year, $10 million contract in Minnesota, Darnold was on his last life as a starter, previously wavering as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers after struggling with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers earlier in his career.
However, the Vikings had confidence Darnold could lead them, especially with the exploits Justin Jefferson offers to his quarterbacks.
Becoming the first quarterback to win 14 games in their first year with a new team, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl nod. His 2024 performance landed him in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025 at No. 72 -- his first mention on the list voted on by players.
Jefferson was interviewed for Darnold's segment and shared his enthusiasm for having a strong-armed quarterback like Darnold last year.
"The record speaks for itself," Jefferson said of Darnold. "Every receiver wants a quarterback with a strong arm, you know, a quarterback that can throw it, you know, 60, 70 yards."
Recalling a 97-yard touchdown connection in a win over the 49ers in Week 2, Jefferson said he was "drooling" when the play was called in.
"I definitely was drooling a little bit when the play was called, but, you know, seeing the ball in the air and seeing that I had a chance to go and score. It was a great throw by Sam, just kind of, you know, leading me to a spot and letting me go get it."
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With Darnold at quarterback, Jefferson tallied 1,533 yards receiving and surpassed 100 receptions for the third time in his five-year career. He also matched a career-high 10 touchdowns.
Those numbers are reflective of the productivity of the Vikings' offense, as the team has bet on J.J. McCarthy carrying on. The team opted to let Darnold walk in free agency, prompting him to sign a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
"I'm excited to see the new experience and the new career and journey that he's about to go on," Jefferson added.
