Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson acknowledged that he isn't the league's top receiver after a frustrating 2025 season but plans to reclaim that status this campaign.
"Not yet," Jefferson told The Athletic's Mike Silver. "But they will (know) after this year - I'll tell you that."
Though he has his sights set on taking their place, Jefferson named former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Puka Nacua among the top contenders for the league's best receiver.
Jefferson posted his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2025 but recorded a career-low two touchdowns and failed to earn a Pro Bowl nod for just the second time in his NFL career.
The two-time first-team All-Pro wasn't alone in his struggles, as Minnesota couldn't replicate its 2024 success, when it finished 14-3 and reached the playoffs. After starter Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, the Vikings named J.J. McCarthy as their No. 1 signal-caller for 2025.
Like much of Minnesota's offense, Jefferson struggled behind inconsistent quarterback play last season. However, the four-time Pro Bowler said he's been energized by the arrival of Kyler Murray, whom the Vikings named the starting quarterback earlier in August.
"What excites me is his ability to just be an athlete," Jefferson said. "Everybody knows what he does when the ball is in his hands, running the ball and being able to create time back there in the pocket. When a play might be dead, he's able to kind of move with his feet and make something happen."
The Vikings open the regular season against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13.
