The Minnesota Vikings made wide receiver Justin Jefferson the centerpiece to the franchise in June with a four-year, $140 million contract extension. It was the highest non-quarterback contract in the history of the National Football League and he was more than deserving.
Considering he is the best wide receiver in football to many analysts, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco didn’t show Jefferson much respect, ranking him at seventh in the NFL and the second receiver behind Tyreek Hill.
Injuries limited him to nine starts last season, which is why he had a career-low 68 catches in his fourth season. But he averaged 107.4 receiving yards per game, which was a career best.
Last season, Prisco ranked Jefferson at seventh overall coming off of his NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. It was too low then and it’s still too low now. The description also doesn’t tell us anything. He injured his hamstring and missed nearly half the season.
However, despite missing that much time, Jefferson became the third player in NFL history to gain 1,000 yards receiving when playing in 10 or less games. He was still the most dominant wide receiver in the NFL.
Should he be behind Tyreek Hill who Prisco placed fourth? I don’t agree with it, but it’s not irrational. Having four non-quarterbacks, including T.J. Watt, ahead of Jefferson doesn’t make sense.
Jefferson is primed to have another great season and, in case you were wondering, he’s played great no matter who the quarterback is.
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