Justin Jefferson Gets the Almighty GOAT Endorsement
Do you need proof that Minnesota Vikings playmaker Justin Jefferson is the best wide receiver in the NFL? Would a Jerry Rice endorsement do the trick? If so, well, that happened. Rice named Jefferson the best wideout in football this week, pretty much settling the annual debate.
Rice’s stamp of approval keeps Jefferson’s case loud while the Vikings still search for the right long-term QB fit.
Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba might disagree — but take it up with the GOAT.
Rice’s Endorsement Turns Up the Heat on WR Debate
It’s quite the pat on the back from Rice
Rice Names Jefferson Top Dog
Rice caught up with The Rich Eisen Show this week, and among many topics, Eisen asked him to name the league’s top WR.
Taking little time to answer, Rice replied, “I still got to go with Justin Jefferson. Even though he hasn’t had an elite quarterback, this guy can do it all. He can stretch the field, he can out-jump you, and he’s not afraid to go across the middle. There are some great receivers out there, but I would still put him as No. 1.”
As always with GOAT (greatest of all time), when they speak, people listen. Jefferson’s crown isn’t just a run-of-the-mill opinion. It came from Rice, who is considered the greatest of all-time at wide receiver.
Other Contenders?
Rice has tabbed Jefferson as the WR1 of the entire sport. But who else could reasonably claim the title? A few years ago, Tyreek Hill entered the chat. So did Davante Adams. But as those men have aged, youngsters have sprouted to push Jefferson to the limit in the court of public opinion.
These players — especially according to their fan bases — would reside with Jefferson in the current best WR conversations:
- Ja’Marr Chase (CIN)
- CeeDee Lamb (DAL)
- Puka Nacua (LAR)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)
And then here’s the next tier:
- A.J. Brown (PHI)
- Nico Collins (HOU)
- Mike Evans (TB)
- Zay Flowers (BAL)
- Drake London (ATL)
- Tetairoa McMillan (CAR)
- Chris Olave (NO)
- George Pickens (DAL)
It’s also worth noting that Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith will enter the NFL in 2027 and will bring massive hype, perhaps as a Top 3 pick.
Debate Is Always Jefferson and a New Guy
Each year, Jefferson is pitted against a “new best wide receiver” in the league. In 2021, it was Jefferson versus Cooper Kupp, with Kupp having the edge. What about 2022? Well, that was the aforementioned Hill, as he cooked in Miami, but Jefferson won Offensive Player of the Year. In 2023, CeeDee Lamb entered the chat. The following season, the year Jefferson paired with Sam Darnold, Chase tried to take the top WR1 title. And now, it’s Nacua, Smith-Njigba, and Chase.
It’s always Jefferson and one or two other guys. Jefferson is the only constant in the last five years.
The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick on Jefferson: “As the NFL’s all-time leader in career receptions (1,549), career receiving yards (22,895), and career touchdown catches (197), Rice knows a thing or two about what it takes to be an elite wide receiver, so his comments on Wednesday shouldn’t be ignored.”
“While Jefferson’s final 2025 numbers didn’t rank among the best receivers in the NFL, there’s no reason to believe that his drop in production is something that is going to become a trend. It seems fair to assume that a big priority for Minnesota’s coaching staff this offseason is going to be figuring out how to get Jefferson’s numbers back to ranking near the top of the NFL in 2026.”
Jefferson is under contract with the Vikings through the end of 2028.
Patrick added, “If the Vikings have to find a new starting quarterback to achieve this, then that’s probably something they’re going to do. Jefferson is currently the highest-paid player on Minnesota’s entire roster, so getting his production back to an elite level is an absolute must for the team next season.”
Now, Get the Man Some QB Consistency.
Jefferson has totaled 8,480 receiving yards through six seasons, the most in NFL history in that timeframe. He’s the standard-bearer.
How can he maintain the pace? Foremost, he must stay healthy. Jefferson injured his hamstring in 2023 but still managed to tally over 1,000 yards. The phenom playmaker is pretty damn durable. Next, he needs consistent quarterback production, which was not a problem until 2025.
His quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, struggled in his first six starts and has battled injuries through two seasons in the league. Jefferson barely eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards this season, taking the suspense all the way to Week 18.
Whether it’s McCarthy, signing a free agent like Malik Willis, or trading for a guy like Kyler Murray, Jefferson needs more reliable quarterbacking to maintain his superstellar pace.
If so, he’ll remain on top in fans’ minds — and for Rice.
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