Vikings’ QB Carousel Hits Rock Bottom as Justin Jefferson’s Frustration Boils Over
It’s been a long, frustrating ride for Justin Jefferson this season-and Sunday in Seattle might’ve been the lowest point yet. With rookie J.J.
Justin Jefferson had 2 receptions for 4 yards today🧍♂️ pic.twitter.com/z5dJBkB85t
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 1, 2025
McCarthy sidelined due to concussion protocol, the Vikings handed the keys to their offense to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. His first NFL start came against a Seahawks defense that’s been giving quarterbacks fits all year.
For a 24-year-old with just one season of FBS experience under his belt, it was a steep climb-and it showed.
Brosmer finished the day with 126 passing yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions on 19-of-30 passing. That stat line added up to a 32.8 passer rating in a 26-0 shutout loss.
It was a rough debut, no way around it. And it followed another tough outing from McCarthy the week prior, when he threw for just 87 yards and two picks in a 23-6 loss to the Packers.
In back-to-back weeks, the Vikings have failed to score a touchdown. And for Jefferson, a player widely considered the best wide receiver in the league, the lack of production is starting to wear thin.
Jefferson was targeted six times against Seattle. He caught just two passes-for a career-low four yards.
That’s not a typo. Four.
The camera caught him late in the game, sitting alone on the bench, towel over his head, as the Vikings’ offense continued to stall. It was the image of a superstar stuck in neutral.
The Vikings say Justin Jefferson declined to speak. First time that's happened since I arrived in 2022. https://t.co/tC2gIOhNeK
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 1, 2025
After the game, Jefferson didn’t speak to the media-a rare move for a player who’s been a consistent voice in the locker room for years. According to reports, it was the first time in at least four seasons that he left the stadium without addressing reporters.
And honestly, who could blame him?
Over the last four games, Jefferson has been held under 50 receiving yards in three of them. Yes, there have been a few drops, but the bigger issue has been the revolving door at quarterback. Earlier this season, Carson Wentz was under center, and while he wasn’t lighting up the stat sheet, Jefferson was still producing-averaging nearly seven catches and 95 yards per game in Wentz’s five starts.
Since then? In the seven games started by McCarthy and Brosmer, Jefferson has averaged just four receptions and 46 yards. That’s a massive drop-off for a player of his caliber.
To his credit, Jefferson has been a pro throughout it all. He’s gone out of his way to defend McCarthy in interviews, even after the rookie’s rough outing against Green Bay.
He was supportive of Brosmer heading into Sunday’s game, too. But there’s only so much a top-tier receiver can endure when the ball isn’t coming his way-and the scoreboard keeps reflecting the struggle.
Adding salt to the wound? Across the field, Sam Darnold-Jefferson’s quarterback from last season-was leading the Seahawks to their ninth win of the year. That contrast wasn’t lost on anyone watching.
For Minnesota, the quarterback situation has gone from unstable to downright chaotic. And for Jefferson, the frustration is clearly bubbling to the surface. This is a player in his prime, capable of game-breaking performances, stuck in an offense that can’t get out of its own way.
The Vikings have a lot to figure out-and fast. Because if they can’t stabilize the quarterback position soon, they risk wasting another year of Jefferson’s prime. And judging by Sunday’s scene on the sideline, that’s a reality that’s starting to hit home.