After a first half of the offseason that featured speculation about the Vikings utilizing Justin Jefferson in a potential trade to acquire their QB of the future, the former 2020 first-round pick locks into a Minnesota offense that features two question marks at the QB position. As things stand today, the QB battle is far from resolved in Kevin O’Connell’s system. Darnold brings experience as a starter in multiple systems with multiple teams, most recently with the 49ers in the top-notch Shanahan scheme. J.J. McCarthy, on the other hand was drafted 10th overall by the Vikings and has experience working in an offense loaded with talent and good coaching. He’ll certainly have more of that in the NFL in the Vikings offense, but there’s a chance that McCarthy doesn’t draw the start immediately if Darnold plays good ball through OTAs and training camp. Regardless of who’s taking snaps under center, Jefferson figures to be his usual productive self even with the departure of Kirk Cousins. Jefferson was able to average 22.1 PPR points per game in four full contests with backup QB Nick Mullens under center from Weeks 15-18, so moving from him to either of Darnold/McCarthy shouldn’t be too much of an issue in an offense that passed the ball at the third-highest rate in the NFL last year.
top of page
bottom of page