Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson has been a model citizen for the franchise despite ongoing struggles at the quarterback position.
The NFL‘s leader in receiving yards since 2020, Jefferson has done so despite catching passes from nine different starting quarterbacks in Minnesota in his career. The franchise’s best efforts to find stability at the position did not come to fruition with J.J. McCarthy this season. The Vikings rank 28th in points and 29th in passing yards and have scored just two touchdowns in their past three games.
It’s been a frustrating season for Jefferson, who has gone before local media time and time again, maintaining that he can do more and that the offense can be redeemed.
However, after what was a new low on Sunday, Jefferson had had enough.
Rather than save face after catching two passes for a career-low four yards from Max Brosmer in a 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Jefferson left the locker room early and did not speak to media for the first time in his six-year career, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported. Trade chatter shortly followed in the comments of Lewis’ post.
Loading twitter content…
With McCarthy in concussion protocol, the Vikings’ last hope was Brosmer, who garnered Brock Purdy comparisons all week.
Read more: Former Top-5 QB Interested in Trade to Vikings to Compete With JJ McCarthy
However, the Vikings had a historically poor offensive effort and were shut out for the first time since 2007.
This season, the Vikings quarterbacks have thrown the most interceptions by any team and, in turn, have executed the fewest plays in the league. That lack of opportunities for the entire offense has translated to Jefferson averaging a career-low in yards receiving per game (66.6), far below his career average of 96.5 entering the 2025 season.
Read more: Vikings Urged to Make Surprising WR Decision for JJ McCarthy
Currently 4-8 and last in the NFC North, the Vikings’ postseason hopes are effectively dashed. The final five games of the season will be the final litmus test for whether McCarthy can uplift the offense to a productive level.
Regardless, the Jefferson trade rumors are primed for another offseason with the quarterback uncertainty in Minnesota.
For more on the Minnesota Vikings and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.