Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson is riding rarified air into his sixth NFL season — but how does he rank all-time?
Vikings legend Randy Moss weighed in on Jefferson’s status among the greats in a TMZ interview on July 12 and had some reservations with the young receiver’s place in the greatest of all-time debate.
“For him to go down as the greatest Viking and WR to ever do it, I need to see more of Justin getting in that box [end zone],” Moss said. “I think at our position, it’s not about the yards. The yards is what gets you the likes and the hearts, but if you want to be legendary, this is speaking for all wide receivers, you got to find ways of getting in that end zone.”
However, after the constructive criticism, Moss opined that Jefferson is well on his way.
“I think Justin Jefferson is on pace to be arguably the greatest ever and definitely the greatest Viking to ever do it,” Moss added.
Justin Jefferson Must Conquer Lofty Vikings Records First
GettyFormer Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss.
Moss has a point.
Jefferson has the most receiving yards by any player through their first five seasons with 7,432 career yards, which ranks fourth in franchise history. The 26-year-old receiver still has a ways to go in the touchdown department.
Jefferson’s 40 career touchdowns rank seventh in franchise history and are 70 touchdowns fewer than Cris Carter’s record of 110.
For Jefferson to enter the greatest of all-time debate, he’ll first have to conquer the titans in purple and gold.
Jefferson is 204 yards shy of surpassing Anthony Carter for third all-time in receiving yards for the Vikings.
But after that is where the true test of longevity comes in.
Moss is second in franchise history with 9,316 yards receiving, behind only Carter with 12,383 career yards receiving.
Jefferson’s touchdown totals are stunted slightly by his missing half the 2023 season with an injury.
He’s largely been used as a chain-mover throughout his career but could also be leaned on more in the red zone as he ages.
Carter and Adam Thielen followed similar career trajectories, posting their highest touchdown totals in their age-30 seasons. Carter only had 27 career touchdowns in his first five seasons before he ascended to Pro Bowl status later in his career.
Vikings QB Situation is No Matter for Jefferson
When the Vikings signed Jefferson to a four-year extension last summer, the deal was made to align entirely with J.J. McCarthy‘s rookie contract and potential fifth-year option.
The hope is that McCarthy develops into a franchise quarterback who can be paired with Jefferson through his prime.
However, if that’s not the case, Jefferson has proved he can make do with whoever is throwing him the ball. Playing in just nine full games in 2023, Jefferson surpassed 1,000 receiving yards with four different quarterbacks.
The Vikings superstar has maintained confidence in whoever is under center, but that is a byproduct of the confidence in himself to win every snap as well.
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