Justin Jefferson Lights Fire Under Vikings QB Competition

Justin Jefferson’s two touchdowns last season were his lowest touchdown production total since the Minnesota Vikings took him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jefferson recorded 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns in 2024, when Sam Darnold was the quarterback of the Vikings. Darnold left to join the Seattle Seahawks and win a Super Bowl in February. Minnesota saw inconsistent quarterback play out of Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy in his second season.

Minnesota brought in veteran quarterback Kyler Murray to provide McCarthy competition for the starting job. During an appearance on NFL Media’s “Good Morning Football” on Friday, Jefferson lit a fire under Murray and McCarthy, saying the team needed a “dawg” to win the battle.

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“Just competition, for real,” Jefferson said. “Just to see, who’s gonna be that last man standing? Who’s gonna be that dawg? Who’s gonna be that leader to carry us throughout the season? Because that is definitely a missing piece that we’re looking for and something that is very important to our team, which is the quarterback spot.

“Just seeing that competition battle, seeing those guys come in every day leading the team and try to spark especially the offense, it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to. And just going out there and connecting with any quarterback that’s throwing the ball, that’s the main important thing this training camp.”

Jefferson had a strong connection with Kirk Cousins when he first entered the league. After Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Minnesota has been looking for a quarterback that will be a long-term solution.

The Vikings should be kicking themselves for moving on from Darnold and Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts), seeing what the two players were able to do with their new teams. Maybe if Murray wins the job and plays well, Minnesota will give the former first-round pick a contract extension.

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 4:08 PM.