Sam Darnold is set to take over as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback for the entire 2024 season following news that rookie J.J. McCarthy will need surgery to repair a meniscus injury, sidelining him for the rest of the year.
Why is this significant? With Darnold expected to serve as a temporary solution and the Vikings’ playoff prospects appearing slim for 2024, this situation opens up the possibility of trades aimed at preparing the team for 2025. These trades, which might not have been considered if McCarthy had continued to impress, could now become a strategic focus for the Vikings.
Among the players rumored to be on the trading block is former LSU standout, wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Despite missing some games in 2023, Jefferson still ranked 19th in the NFL with 1,074 receiving yards and delivered a catch against the Buffalo Bills that is now regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history. Jefferson also holds the record for the most career games with at least 150 receiving yards in the first four years of any player’s NFL career and ranks 8th in Vikings history with 5,899 receiving yards and 9th with 30 touchdowns.
Jefferson’s remarkable career began at LSU, where he was a three-star recruit, ranked 1,835th in the 2017 class, and 275th among receivers. His journey from a standout on LSU’s 2019 National Championship team to becoming a dominant force with the Vikings in his first four NFL seasons is noteworthy. At just 25 years old, Jefferson has yet to reach his full potential, making him a valuable asset for the Vikings to potentially retain.
However, with Jefferson’s impressive credentials, he also represents high trade value for a team looking to contend immediately. Trading him could help the Vikings save salary cap space and recalibrate for a season that might be considered a write-off due to McCarthy’s injury. Despite Jefferson’s recent $140 million contract extension, the unpredictable nature of the NFL means changes could come quickly.
