It’s undeniable that Minnesota Vikings‘ wide receiver Justin Jefferson is one of the best in the position in the NFL- and is on the path to becoming one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. Last week, he broke both the team record and the league record for most receiving yards in a player’s first five seasons. Last season, even though he only played nine games due to injury, he still broke the 1,000-yard mark. His talent is inarguable.
What is arguable, it seems, is just how highly he ranks among his peers and who at the position strikes the most fear in opposing coaches. According to ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler, “Many scouts and coaches believe (Ja’Marr) Chase strikes more fear in opponents because of his big-play ability. He’s validating that belief, which means the price tag only goes up.”
That line was in reference to whether or not the Cincinnati Bengals are going to be willing to give Chase a large contract in the offseason as the Vikings did with Jefferson this previous offseason. On the surface, there’s some merit to that stance, as Chase is in the running for the “Triple Crown” this season, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
However, when you look at it a little deeper, the claim of “better big-play ability” doesn’t necessarily hold water — at least with regards to this season. Though Jefferson is trailing Chase in the counting stats, it is Jefferson, and not Chase, who has the edge in yards per reception — 15.5 to 14.5. Jefferson also has the longer longest reception this season, 97 yards to 70, and has more “big play” receptions (receptions of 20+ yards) this season than Chase.
Regardless of whether or not the anonymous scouts and coaches are right, Chase and Jefferson are neck-and-neck for the best receiver in the NFL, and Chase is likely in line for a Jefferson-like payday this offseason, though the team could opt to have Chase play on his fifth-year option and kick the can down the road for another year.
