Last season, Sam Darnold guided the Minnesota Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record during the regular season behind career-best numbers. Even after that strong showing, the organization chose to move on, handing the reins to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Justin Jefferson does not appear to be happy with that decision.

In a recent conversation with USA Today, Jefferson was refreshingly candid when discussing McCarthy and the team’s choice to part ways with Darnold, admitting he believes Minnesota would have been better off sticking with the veteran quarterback instead of shifting to McCarthy.

When asked if the Vikings might be the team heading to the Super Bowl instead of the Seahawks had Darnold stayed put, Jefferson didn’t hesitate.

“Yeah, for sure, definitely,” Jefferson said.

“Everyone knows the difficulty of the quarterback position this year, how we were dealt it,” Jefferson told USA Today. “But having a quarterback that already had a season under his belt with us, knew the plays, knew the playbook, knew the players, throwing to me, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, all these guys, I definitely feel like we would have done better. But it is what it is, it’s on to newer and better things. But I’m definitely happy and proud of him that he is able to reach it this year.”

Minnesota endured a rocky season at quarterback, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all taking turns under center and struggling to find consistency.

Now that Darnold is preparing to play on the NFL’s biggest stage with the Seahawks, Jefferson admits his emotions are complicated. He’s thrilled for his former teammate, but can’t help wishing that success had come while they were still together in Minnesota.

“It’s definitely tough. It’s tough to watch,” Jefferson said. “I love that he’s in the Super Bowl. I’m happy for him, I want nothing but the best for him, especially the way his journey was at first, people doubting him and people not giving him the respect. Now they’re giving him the respect. Now they’re seeing that he’s a top-tier quarterback in this league. Of course, selfishly, I wish he had done that for us last year, but to see him blossom and bounce back right after last year and make it this year, I’m happy for him and I hope he wins. I’m rooting for Seattle and I think Seattle’s gonna win. I’ll be rooting for him.”

Needless to say, these candid comments led to a lot of reactions on social media.

“Justin Jefferson wants a new QB in Minnesota confirmed,” one fan wrote in a post on X.

“Going with McCarthy definitely set this team back 5 years,” someone else added.

“Sounds like Jefferson should come join Sam and JSN here in Seattle,” another fan wrote.

“Can’t look back. It is time to look ahead. Skol Vikings,” someone else commented.

“And here it starts…” another fan wrote.

Unfortunately, Jefferson will now be watching from home as his former quarterback chases the ultimate prize in football.