Justin Jefferson isn’t backing down from the crown.
Despite a bumpy 2025 campaign marked by quarterback instability and a dip in production, the Minnesota Vikings’ star wideout still sees himself as the NFL’s top receiver - and frankly, it’s hard to argue against a guy with his résumé.
Through his first six seasons, Jefferson has been nothing short of elite. He’s earned four Pro Bowl nods, stacked up highlight-reel plays, and redefined what it means to be a WR1 in today’s game.
But the past two years have been anything but smooth. Injuries limited him in 2024, and in 2025, it was the quarterback carousel that disrupted his rhythm.
The Vikings handed the keys to rookie J.J. McCarthy after letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency.
It was a bold move - one that signaled a shift toward the future - but it came with growing pains. McCarthy battled through injuries and struggled with consistency, particularly when it came to getting the ball to his top targets.
Accuracy was an issue, and it showed in the numbers for both Jefferson and fellow receiver Jordan Addison.
Jefferson finished the season with 84 catches for 1,048 yards and just two touchdowns. For most receivers, that would be a solid year.
For Jefferson? It felt like a step back - not because he’s lost a step, but because the circumstances around him changed.
Still, he’s not entertaining the idea that he’s fallen off.
“How am I not?” Jefferson said when asked if he still considers himself the best.
“A lot of people base it off the QB play. If I don’t have an elite QB throwing me the ball the entire year, then it’s a little bit difficult to be in those conversations.
Having a young QB that's still learning the game and his potential, you have those difficult seasons - which I had this past year. I still think I'm No.
Justin Jefferson on whether he’s still the best WR in the NFL, via @FTFonFS1:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 5, 2026
“How I'm not? A lot of people base if off the QB play. ... If I don’t have an elite QB throwing me the ball the entire year, then it’s a little bit difficult to be in those conversations. Having a… https://t.co/l8VV4nazlA pic.twitter.com/zFXYwLrHB5
1.”
And he’s got a point. Wide receiver production is directly tied to quarterback play - perhaps more than any other position.
When Jefferson was paired with steady, veteran quarterback play earlier in his career, he was nearly unstoppable. His 2022 season remains the gold standard: 128 receptions, 1,809 yards, 8 touchdowns, and a staggering 80 first-down catches.
That’s not just WR1 material - that’s generational.
Jefferson’s confidence isn’t just bravado. It’s rooted in performance, pedigree, and the understanding that elite receivers don’t suddenly forget how to play.
The tape still shows a guy who can separate at will, win contested catches, and break games open. The difference now is he’s doing it while adjusting to a young quarterback finding his footing.
As McCarthy continues to develop, the chemistry between him and Jefferson will be one of the most important storylines to watch in Minnesota. If they can get on the same page - and stay healthy - there’s no reason Jefferson can’t return to the top of the stat sheets and the WR rankings.
But make no mistake: in his mind, he never left.