Best trade destinations for Justin Jefferson
By: Jake Rajala
If AJ Brown thought he wasn’t utilized to his fullest potential, he should ask Justin Jefferson how he feels. Jefferson has already said that the Vikings would have done better with Sam Darnold than AJ McCarthy. Ouch. Jefferson wasn’t even in the top 10 for receiving yards. With that said, a change in scenery may be best for JJ. Hence, I’m going to unfold several potential trade destinations for him.
Las Vegas Raiders
If the Raiders get an elite WR, their offense will be quite well-rounded, as they already have Brock Bower at TE and Ashton Jeanty at RB. Plus, Fernando Mendoza will most likely be their QB1. The Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is also a genius. The explosive WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is first in yards and sixth in touchdowns under Klint.
San Francisco 49ers
Things have changed in recent memory for the San Francisco 49ers. Deebo Samuel is out. Brandon Aiyuk is on his way out. Then Rick Pearsall has only played in 20 games over the past two seasons combined. Rex Ryan has said that Brock Purdy is the most underrated QB. Well, it’s time to give him more firepower, so he can keep pace with the likes of Seattle and Los Angeles Rams.
Carolina Panthers
It’s impressive that the Carolina Panthers made the playoffs with little weaponry for Bryce Young. Tetairoa McMillan is their best WR, as he could also win Offensive Rookie of the Year. After that, it’s pretty dark. They axed Adam Thielen and Hunter Renfrow. The “Saints and Falcons” finished strong last season. The Panthers can’t take their foot off the pedal.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s time for one last ride. Mike McCarthy and (I assume) Aaron Rodgers are back together. Just as Tom Brady once loaded up for a Super Bowl run with the Buccaneers, A-Rod needs to do the same. DK Metcalf needs a partner at WR. Darnell Washigton is a joy to watch, but he’s not Gronk. I’d like to see them bring in another TE, as well.
Miami Dolphins
I don’t expect Tyreek Hill to be a Dolphin in 2026-2027. It’s not the end of the world, as he went from the best overall NFL player to not being a Top-5 WR anymore. Jefferson and Jaylen Waddle could be any QB’s dream. I also can’t imagine that QB Tua Tagovailoa is around for next season, too. They could attract someone like Daniel Jones.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have Chris Olave, but they are missing a WR2. They shipped Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks. He was not only an All-Pro return specialist, but he could torch defensive backs. I really love the progress made from Tyler Shough. I’d say he’s a Top-15 QB in my book. If they get JJ, I believe they will have the edge in a competitive NFC South.
Denver Broncos
I deeply believe that the Broncos would have beaten the Patriots with Bo Nix. The Pats barely took down Jarrett Stidham. It would be a WR dream to play under Sean Payton. Let’s not forget that Michael Thomas won Offensive Player of the Year with the wiz of a coach. Jefferson and Courtland Sutton would make the Broncos a favorite to be the one seed again.
Honorable Mention:
New England Patriots
Stefon Diggs is their go to weapon, but he’s 32, so he won’t be around for five more years. Drake Maye also sees 2026 MVP candidate Matthew Stafford play with “two” elite WRs in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The Pats need to add another weapon and go out swinging. After all, they square off against the likes of Josh Allen in their division and potentially Bo Nix in the playoffs.
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