Overview
- Jefferson called watching Darnold reach the Super Bowl “bittersweet” and said he believes the Vikings would have done better if they had kept him, adding he is rooting for Seattle.
- After choosing J.J. McCarthy over re-signing Darnold, Minnesota’s offense fell from 12th to 28th in 2025 and the team missed the playoffs as injuries and quarterback turnover mounted.
- Former Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hinted at second thoughts about moving on from Darnold shortly before he was fired, according to multiple reports.
- In his first season with Seattle, Darnold posted a 99.1 passer rating with 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions and now faces New England and Drake Maye in Super Bowl LX.
- Darnold reflected that his difficult Jets and Panthers years were part of his journey and learning process, comments he made in the lead-up to the game.