Justin Jefferson’s Historic Start Hits a Speed Bump - But the Finish Line Is Still in Sight
It didn’t take long for Justin Jefferson to announce his presence in the NFL. From the moment the Vikings called his name with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 draft, Jefferson looked like a star.
And he backed it up immediately. That rookie season?
88 catches, 1,400 yards - both franchise records. Technically, that yardage was the most ever by a rookie in NFL history at the time, though the league’s official record still belonged to Bill Groman, who racked up 1,473 yards for the Houston Oilers back in 1960.
That mark stood until Puka Nacua reset the bar in 2023 with 1,486 yards.
Jefferson didn’t get the rookie record, but he’s been busy rewriting the rest of the history books since. He owns the all-time records for most receiving yards through two (3,016), three (4,825), four (5,899), and five seasons (7,432). That’s not just elite company - that’s uncharted territory.
He’s also one of just four players in league history to post 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first five seasons. The other three?
Randy Moss, A.J. Green, and Mike Evans.
And Jefferson did it even after missing seven games in 2023. That’s how dominant he’s been.
Chasing Moss, Chasing History
Heading into 2025, Jefferson needed just 944 yards to pass Moss for the most receiving yards through a player’s first six seasons. He also had a shot to become only the third player ever - along with Moss and Evans - to notch six straight 1,000-yard seasons to open a career.
Considering Jefferson’s track record and the fact that he entered the season healthy, it felt like a lock. But here we are, with just a few weeks left in the regular season, and the numbers aren’t where they usually are for No. 18.
Through 14 games, Jefferson has 66 catches for 832 yards - a solid year for most receivers, but a noticeable dip by his standards. His 59.4 yards per game is a career low. And it’s not because he suddenly forgot how to play football.
Quarterback Carousel Derails the Rhythm
The Vikings’ quarterback situation has been anything but stable this year, and Jefferson has paid the price. The chemistry just hasn’t been there, especially with rookie J.J.
McCarthy. Despite McCarthy showing flashes - including some impressive throws against Dallas - the connection with Jefferson hasn’t clicked.
Over McCarthy’s eight starts, Jefferson is averaging just 43.9 receiving yards per game. That’s a far cry from the explosive numbers we’ve come to expect.
And it’s not just McCarthy. In the one game Max Brosmer started - a rough outing against Seattle - Jefferson was held to just four yards. That game was a mess for the entire offense, but it underscores the larger issue: Jefferson hasn’t had a consistent, capable quarterback feeding him the ball.
Interestingly, Jefferson’s only two 100-yard games this season came when Carson Wentz was under center. He went off for 126 yards on 10 catches in Week 4 against the Steelers in Dublin, and followed that with 123 yards on seven grabs in London against the Browns in Week 5. When he’s had someone who can get him the ball in stride, he’s still looked like the same old Jefferson.
Two Numbers That Still Matter
Now, with the Vikings officially eliminated from playoff contention, there are still two numbers that matter: 112 and 168. That’s what Jefferson needs to break Moss’ record for most receiving yards through six seasons (112), and to hit 1,000 yards for the sixth straight year (168).
Neither goal is out of reach. But it’s going to take a concerted effort - from the coaching staff, the quarterback, and the offensive scheme - to make it happen.
And honestly, it should happen. Not just because records matter (they do), but because Jefferson has done everything right. He’s produced at a historic level, he’s been a leader in the locker room, and even in a frustrating season, he’s remained supportive of McCarthy and the team.
Finish Strong, Minnesota
This is more than just a stat chase. It’s about honoring a player who’s already given so much to the franchise - and still has so much more to give.
If you’re the Vikings, you find a way to get Jefferson those yards. You draw up the plays, you make the throws, and you let one of the game’s best finish this chapter of his career the way he deserves.
He’s 26 years old, five seasons in, and already sitting at the top of the record books. Don’t let a chaotic quarterback carousel be the thing that derails a historic run.
Get it done, Minnesota. Your franchise cornerstone has earned it.