Jan. 17, 2026, 8:45 a.m. CT

Before we even begin, I am painfully aware that Justin Jefferson has often voiced his desire to stay. At no point during his career, especially during this season, has he ever stated his frustration with the organization. Let’s just get that out of the way at the jump.

However, if we take a step back, could we blame Jefferson for demanding a trade this offseason? 2025 was his worst season as a professional by a country mile. In 2023, despite missing six games due to injury, he still managed to outperform this season by 26 yards and three touchdowns. Coming into the season, he was on a trajectory to be one of the all-time greats. He likely is still on that path, but there are a few things holding him back from that.

His biggest obstacle is playoff appearances, performances, and wins. During his six-year NFL career, Justin Jefferson has appeared in the playoffs just twice, both being losses. In those two games, he has combined for 12 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. When you have the best wide receiver in football, two appearances and these few stats are unacceptable.

What helps all-time talents at wide receiver are talented quarterbacks. Let’s take a look at some notable receivers and who their quarterbacks were:

Jerry Rice: Joe Montana, Steve YoungRandy Moss: Daunte Culpepper, Tom BradyTerrell Owens: Steve Young, Donovan McNabbCalvin Johnson: Matthew StaffordAntonio Brown: Ben RoethlisbergerJulio Jones: Matt RyanExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Do you notice a trend? The greats have had great quarterbacks to play with. Now, let’s take a look at all the quarterbacks Jefferson has caught passes from during his tenure in Minnesota:

Kirk CousinsSean MannionKellen MondNick MullensJosh DobbsJaren HallJ.J. McCarthyCarson WentzMax Brosmer

Nine different quarterbacks in six years. Worst of all, you can make the argument that McCarthy ranks toward the bottom of this list and is potentially the long-term plan for the Minnesota Vikings. People have vastly different opinions on McCarthy, but you can’t ignore the injury history and his lack of consistency during his first two years in the NFL.

I am not trying to be pessimistic about the quarterback situation, but I just want to put it on people’s radars that if this situation doesn’t get better, and better fast, don’t be shocked if Justin Jefferson is not on this roster in 2027. He likely gives it one more year, but with poor quarterback play and a fluid situation at the position, he may start to prioritize himself over the franchise.