Van Jefferson, a familiar name for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, is making a move to the NFC, signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 season. At 29, Jefferson is looking to rekindle the spark that once made him a standout receiver.
During his stint with the Steelers in 2024, Jefferson served as the No. 2 outside receiver. He played all 17 games, starting 12 of them, yet his impact was limited. Despite being on the field for 721 snaps and running routes on 414 of those, he was targeted just 40 times, resulting in 24 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Interestingly, Jefferson's production lagged behind several of his teammates, including tight end Pat Freiermuth, slot receiver Calvin Austin III, and even running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. This, coupled with the Steelers' acquisition of DK Metcalf, likely led to the decision to part ways with Jefferson after the 2024 season, which opened the door for his brief tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
In Tennessee, Jefferson struggled to regain his form, managing only 29 catches for 350 yards and a single touchdown over 16 games. Now, as he joins his fifth NFL team, Jefferson aims to channel the success of his 2021 season, where he notched career highs with 50 receptions, 802 yards, and six touchdowns.
Before landing in Pittsburgh, Jefferson spent over three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, where he celebrated a Super Bowl victory following the 2021 season. A mid-season trade in 2023 sent him to the Atlanta Falcons, reuniting him with former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who was then the Falcons' head coach.
A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson's career numbers stand at 166 catches for 2,226 yards and 13 touchdowns. As he steps onto the field with the Commanders, Jefferson hopes to revive his career and deliver the kind of performances that once made him a rising star in the league.