Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
This season has been nothing short of a mess for the Minnesota Vikings. Betting on the ability to replicate Sam Darnold’s breakthrough, Kevin O’Connell turned the keys over to J.J. McCarthy.
Sam Darnold earned a payday with the Seattle Seahawks, and Daniel Jones turned down more money for a chance to start with the Colts. That series of decisions has put the offense in a bad spot, and Justin Jefferson is feeling that.
Although there have been moments where Jefferson looks at fault, the frustration towards the quarterback position is more than warranted. Stephen A. Smith is now worried that it may boil over.
Stephen A. Smith starts the Jefferson trade talk
When Justin Jefferson was seeking his massive payday, he went about it unlike most wide receivers before him. The anti-diva has not been overly vocal about how bad his quarterback is, but there will come a point that he can no longer stay silent.
"I wouldn't blame Justin Jefferson if he asked to be traded. I'm disgusted with the Minnesota Vikings." 😳@stephenasmith on if the Vikings are wasting Justin Jefferson's prime 👀 pic.twitter.com/yrvIrxAs63
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 27, 2025
“I wouldn’t blame Justin Jefferson if he asked to be traded. I’m disgusted with the Minnesota Vikings. I’ve been very, very reluctant to say that…Now [Kwesi] Adofo-Mensah the general manager for the Minnesota Vikings, and listen I’m unapologetic brothers in executive positions, I root for them because we don’t see that too often. I’m very, very happy, and I’m rooting for the brother. But him, and Kevin O’Connell made a joint decision, and they miscalculated. I understand why. Sam Darnold was a free agent…you’re looking to move on because this brother played so well last year that he was in a position to triple his salary…
Here’s my problem, this is Justin Jefferson y’all. This is an all-world receiver. The first five years of his NFL career we weren’t talking about him being great, we were talking legacy. We were talking about whether or not he was going to be in that conversation with the Jerry Rice’s and and Randy Moss’ of the world…What you don’t do to somebody like that is take away their damn quarterback for a rookie that is unproven. You don’t do that.”
Stephen A. Smith – First Take
Every team across the league would love an ideal situation where they build a Super Bowl roster around a quarterback on a rookie deal. Only the New England Patriots spent more money in free agency this offseason. They have a good quarterback in Drake Maye, while the Minnesota Vikings have J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy has completed just 54.1% of his passes, and has a 6/10 TD/INT ratio this season. Despite terrible quarterback play from McCarthy, Jefferson has somehow still generated 795 yards receiving. He has just two touchdowns though, and his all-time NFL record 96.5 yards per game is now down to 93.5.
Justin Jefferson this season:
With Carson Wentz – 95.4 YPG
With J.J. McCarthy – 53.0 YPG
I'd be frustrated too.https://t.co/j2bxNqfPEt
— Ted (@tlschwerz) November 24, 2025
When Carson Wentz came on to start for the Vikings he understood that the star wide receiver was his best path to competitiveness. That’s maybe not lost on McCarthy, but his ability is not enough to execute on that understanding.
It would be malpractice to run it back next season with McCarthy going without competition. Whether that’s Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, or someone else, the Minnesota Vikings need to find a way to stop wasting their star wideout before he makes it known how sick of it he is.
Mentioned in this article: Justin Jefferson Stephen A. Smith More About: Minnesota Vikings
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