Vikings' Justin Jefferson Dealt Disrespect Due to J.J. McCarthy

Justin Jefferson has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. The former first-round pick is the top weapon of the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback J.J. McCarthy.  

At 26, Jefferson already has multiple league and franchise records to his name. He has earned the Pro Bowl honor in four of his five seasons and is the only player to eclipse the 7000-receiving yards mark in their first five seasons. The star WR also has the most 100+ yard receiving games before turning 26. 

Despite his exceptional performance, Jefferson still might not be getting the respect he deserves. During an episode of "The Rich Eisen Show," host Rich Eisen listed the top non-QBs in the NFL. 

"I'm going Ja'Marr fourth, Saquon three, Justin Jefferson two," he said. 

Jefferson was put ahead of the reigning Super Bowl champion, Saquon Barkley, but the Cleveland Browns' DE Myles Garrett topped the chart. Eisen went on to explain the reason behind his choice. 

"I think the only reason why people wouldn't have Justin Jefferson to top all these folks is because they don't believe in the trigger man in Minnesota," he said. 

McCarthy was picked as the No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but a knee injury in the preseason opener kept him away from the action in his rookie season. Everything points to the 22-year-old taking the Vikings' QB mantle in the upcoming season. 

Jefferson put up great numbers as Sam Darnold's go-to target last season, catching 103 passes for 1,533 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. But Darnold has parted ways with the Vikings and has inked a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks. 

Eisen clarified that Jefferson is still the best out there, but doubts about McCarthy have kept the wide receiver away from the tag. 

"But Justin Jefferson is still the man, the best, the guy, at the position in the NFL with all due respect," he said. 

J.J. McCarthy starts his rookie year with plenty of help. Jefferson will be his top target. The backfield features Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Ryan Kelly and Will Fries bring experience up front, while rookie Donovan Jackson adds young talent.

The Vikings secured a 14-3 record in the regular season last year. They missed out on the top seed as they lost to the Detroit Lions in the Week 18 clash, who clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record.

The Los Angeles Rams crushed Jefferson's dreams of a Super Bowl, handing the Vikings a 27-9 loss in the Wild Card Round. Jefferson has some unfinished business for the 2025 NFL season, and McCarthy will play a crucial role in getting the job done.