Chiefs Need to Land Four-Time Pro Bowl Receiver

Following a career at LSU, Justin Jefferson was selected by the Vikings with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He had a standout rookie year in Minnesota, catching 88 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. Jefferson set the NFL rookie record for receiving yards, surpassing Anquan Boldin’s 1,377 back in 2003. He was also named to the Pro Bowl.

Jefferson was spectacular during his second year as well. The Louisiana native produced 108 receptions, 1,616 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.

2022 was Jefferson’s best season. He recorded a league-leading and career-high 128 catches and 1,809 receiving yards. He also had eight touchdown receptions and ran for another on the ground. For his efforts, he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

In 2023, Jefferson played in only 10 games due to injury. Yet, he still managed to reach the 1,000-yard mark. The following year, he caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Why Justin Jefferson?

It has been weird seeing the Chiefs struggle. Heading into this season, they had won nine straight AFC West titles and made seven consecutive AFC Championships. Plus, they had played in five of the last six Super Bowls. It was certainly a dynasty.

But now the Chiefs must make key changes to their roster. It’s unclear whether Travis Kelce will retire. The future Hall of Fame tight end might call it quits and ride off into the sunset with Taylor Swift. But then again, he could stick around for at least another year.

Whether Kelce returns or not, Kansas City needs a big-time playmaker to help out Mahomes. And Justin Jefferson would be that guy. The four-time Pro Bowler is having a down year (66 catches for 832 yards, and two touchdowns). However, poor quarterback play from J.J. McCarthy might be the culprit.

Vikings legend Chris Carter talked about that (via Heavy.com):

“The reason why is quarterback play. It’s not him. It’s not his ability to get open and threaten the defense and make big plays. So that right there is an issue that needs to be proven out, and the only way it will be proven out is by repetition. That is the only way. The Vikings are stuck with their quarterback situation, and they’re going to have to keep putting him out there to see if the game will slow down, and if he can vary the velocity on his balls and read defenses on a regular basis. Just like everyone else.”

Teaming up with Patrick Mahomes, who’s arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, would surely help Jefferson. Plus, Jefferson could help the Chiefs return to the elite team that they usually are.

It remains to be seen whether Jefferson will request a trade. But if he does, the Chiefs need to find a way to make a deal.