Vikings Star Justin Jefferson Appears To Make Decision On Trade Request

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 10:00 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson hasn't exactly had an ideal quarterback situation this season, and yet, he continues to conduct himself with class.

Jefferson enters Week 18 with 76 receptions for 947 yards and two touchdowns. That's pretty disappointing for the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. To be fair though, he's been working with an inconsistent quarterback in J.J. McCarthy.

Whether it's due to injuries or just inexperience, McCarthy hasn't lived up to the hype for the Vikings. He has completed 57.3% of his passes this season for 1,450 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Speaking to the media Thursday afternoon, Jefferson was asked about Minnesota's quarterback room for the 2026 season. He made it clear that he's more than okay with catching passes from McCarthy for another year.

"That's not my job," Jefferson said, via ESPN. "[But] of course I would love for him to be here. Of course I would love for him to be the quarterback. Especially off this year. I feel like he needs to show everybody and prove to everybody that he is that top-tier quarterback. So I would love to have him. I would love to work with him and show everybody that he is that No. 1 guy."

Judging by those comments, Jefferson has zero intentions of requesting a trade. There were some rumors about him possibly being unhappy earlier this season, but he never paid attention to them.

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Will the Vikings upgrade at QB?

Back in November, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned Daniel Jones as an option for the Vikings in free agency. This was before he suffered a torn Achilles though.

“The funny thing about that scenario is Jones would be an ideal fit in Minnesota, where he backed up Sam Darnold last season,” Fowler wrote. “But as the top free agent quarterback, he will score a sizable deal in Indianapolis or elsewhere. Still, the Vikings really liked Jones, and their situation this offseason will be far different than the one from a year ago. Making a play for Jones would give him multiple options to consider.”

The Vikings have also been linked to a pair of trade candidates in Mac Jones and Kyler Murray.

Despite what Jefferson said publicly this week, Minnesota would be foolish to just roll into the 2026 season with the same depth chart at quarterback.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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