Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Gets Brutal Message From NFL Insider
Moreover, Jefferson is coming off back-to-back performances in which he hasn’t even hit 50 or more receiving yards. The Vikings star is in the middle of his prime years, and he’s posted 1,400 or more receiving yards in four of his five NFL seasons. However, it doesn’t appear that he will hit 1,400-plus receiving yards this campaign.
Amid the struggles, NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio shared a blunt assessment on why Jefferson is struggling this season.
“I’m struggling here to get the right words because I love Justin Jefferson, and I think he’s awesome, and I think he can get back to that,” Florio said on the November 14 edition of “Pro Football Talk Live.”
“But part of me is thinking maybe the other guys are just better now. Maybe it’s not like we’re going to flip a switch. Maybe they’ve figured out how to defend him. Three years later, three years older, three years of wear and tear. I have to force myself to articulate these words, but I think we at least have to account for the possibility.
“The possible explanations are that guy doesn’t work here anymore. You’re not that guy anymore. You’re not going to be that guy again. We’ve seen candles burn very brightly and then not… It’s only Year 6. But if I’m looking at all the potential explanations, one of them is the competition has gotten better. And maybe it’s because he’s not the guy he was three years ago for whatever reason.”
Does Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Miss His Old Quarterbacks?
For Jefferson’s first four seasons in the league, he had former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins passing him the ball, followed by Sam Darnold. Nonetheless, that same success that the wideout had with these veteran quarterbacks hasn’t translated to McCarthy.
As a result, NBC Sports’ Michael Holley stated, in that same segment, that Jefferson is paying the price for the learning process that the young Vikings quarterback is going through in Year 2, which is technically Year 1, considering he missed his rookie season due to injury.
“He’s a great receiver, and I think most great receivers say, ‘Just throw me the ball, I can make any quarterback look good,’ but [the Vikings have had] a lot of change [at quarterback] in the last three years,” Holley said. “And I think that has affected him, too. He was being nice about J.J. McCarthy [saying], ‘He’s a great player.’ No, he’s not.
“He might become one, but he’s not playing like a great player right now and maybe he doesn’t know how to get you the ball the way you really want it. Maybe he doesn’t fully understand what you’re capable of. He’s trying, but he’s still too green to figure out what he has in Justin Jefferson. It’s a tough spot. I think he’s just as frustrated as AJ Brown, but he’s expressing it in a different way.”
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Gets Honest About Struggles
Even though defenses keep bracketing and doubling Jefferson, adding to the frustration around the standout receiver, he made it clear that he still enjoys playing for the Vikings.
“I wouldn’t say I lost it, but of course it’s a little bit difficult when teams play me the way they have been playing me,” Jefferson said. “I don’t have those one-on-one coverages as much as I used to, and that’s probably why I missed ‘Year 3 Jets,’ because I’m having a little bit less double coverages and a lot less attention than, of course, now. So I guess you can say that kind of takes away a little bit of the joy, but I still love going out there and playing football.”
Jonathan Taylor Turns Down $75 Million Offers from Chargers and Texans to Stay a Colt for Life – Here's Why!
Indianapolis, IN – In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, star running back Jonathan Taylor has made a bold statement about his loyalty, turning down offers worth a staggering $75 million from both the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans. The decision has stunned not only fans but also analysts, who were sure that the 2025 free-agent market would see Taylor break records with a massive payday. But the Colts' cornerstone has his own vision for his future.
In a heartfelt message to his fans and the entire NFL, Taylor shared his commitment to the Indianapolis Colts in an exclusive interview. “I’m a Colt for life,” Taylor declared, setting the tone for what will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about decisions of the year. The 25-year-old running back, widely regarded as one of the top players at his position, has been the face of the Colts’ offense for years. His electrifying runs, leadership in the locker room, and undeniable passion for the game have made him not just a player but a living legend in Indianapolis.
The decision comes as a major surprise, considering the massive financial offers Taylor turned down. Both the Chargers and Texans, desperate to add a game-changing running back to their rosters, offered the Pro Bowler a contract that would have paid him $75 million over four years. This would have made Taylor one of the highest-paid running backs in NFL history, with financial security for generations. Yet, despite the allure of the massive payday, Taylor chose loyalty over money.
“I’ve been here since day one. This city, this team, this fanbase—they’ve supported me through thick and thin. It’s more than just football to me,” Taylor explained. “I want to finish my career as a Colt, and I want to bring a Super Bowl back to Indianapolis. That’s the legacy I want to build. Not the money, not the glitz and glamour of big cities. It’s about making a difference here, where I started.”
Fans in Indianapolis are praising Taylor’s decision, and the Colts organization is reportedly “thrilled” to have their star running back commit to the team long-term. Colts owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, was quick to express her excitement, saying, “Jonathan’s loyalty and dedication to the Colts organization are unmatched. We are grateful to have him as part of the team, and this speaks volumes about his character and commitment to this city.”
Taylor’s decision could shift the landscape of the NFL, as other star players will be left wondering whether the path to financial success is truly the only route to greatness. For now, Jonathan Taylor is focused on one thing: winning with the Indianapolis Colts.
The NFL world is buzzing, and one thing is clear: Jonathan Taylor is setting his own path—and it's leading straight through Indianapolis.
Taylor’s Legacy in Indianapolis
As he enters the 2025 season with a contract that will likely see him end his career with the Colts, Taylor’s place in Colts lore is already secure. Since being drafted in 2020, he has become one of the league’s most dynamic and feared running backs. His electrifying speed, vision, and ability to break tackles make him a top weapon in the NFL. The move to turn down the monumental offers is expected to further cement his status as not just a player, but a hero to fans in Indianapolis.
Despite being courted by other teams, Taylor’s heart is firmly in Indianapolis. And as the Colts look to continue their dominance in the AFC, Taylor’s loyalty could be the defining factor in their playoff runs for years to come.
The question remains: Will Jonathan Taylor's decision to reject huge offers redefine what it means to be a franchise player in today's NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: his commitment to the Colts is the kind of loyalty that will have a lasting impact on the NFL for generations.
