Justin Jefferson’s 3-Word Message on Ditching JJ McCarthy Days Before Vikings WR Offered New AFC Team

In the aftermath of the 2020 NFL Draft, no moment crystallized the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation like the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to take Jalen Reagor at No. 21 overall, passing on Justin Jefferson. The Eagles, once thought to be targeting Jefferson as their future No. 1 receiver, had the chance to secure a polished, battle-tested playmaker with a track record of dominating SEC defenses. Instead, they opted for Reagor — a fast, high-upside prospect with a limited college resume, particularly in the areas that tend to translate most effectively to the NFL: Route running and technical precision.

The laughter that came from the Minnesota draft room in response to Reagor’s selection may or may not have been petty. At that point, it was clear to everyone watching that the Eagles had passed on a player who could immediately change the dynamic of an offense for a raw talent whose fit was still in question. The question wasn’t whether Jefferson was more polished. It was whether Philly had missed the point entirely, failing to recognize the difference between potential and production. And that discrepancy was about to define not just the next season, but the next half-decade of NFL football.

Let’s cut to the chase. On April 13, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Jefferson took a little detour from the NFL world and played Call of Duty with the former Bengals’ WR Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. And that’s when Chase told Johnson, “Hey, hey, Chad. I could get Justin to come to the Bengals, y’all.” And why not? I mean, the Bengals just offered Chase a massive contract extension, and now Chase is a central figure in Cincy.

The potential of Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson operating in tandem was an offensive mastermind’s dream. The trio had already carved up defenses together in 2019 at LSU, where they became one of the most dangerous pass-catching duos in college football history, with Burrow orchestrating one of the most prolific offenses in recent NCAA memory. A reunion of this magnitude, with Burrow and Chase leading the charge in Cincinnati, and Jefferson slotting in as the final piece, was a tantalizing prospect for anyone with an eye on the future of the league.

But Jefferson’s response? Well, the 25-year-old wide receiver straight-up declined his demand. “No, you can’t.” Just like that. The guy’s in no mood to ditch JJ McCarthy. Cold, but kinda hilarious. So yeah, looks like that Chase-Jefferson reunion’s staying in the LSU highlight reels for now. And let’s not forget, back then they had Joe Burrow slingin’ it to them. That trio was different. But in the NFL? Guess it’s every superstar standing up for himself.

Notably, the two wideouts have become the cornerstone of their respective teams’ offense. Chase, who just inked a massive four-year $161 million deal, is entering the fifth season after recording the best season of his career (4th straight 1,000+ yard season). 16 starts out of 17, 1,708 yards for 127 receptions, and yes, those 17 touchdowns as well. And Jefferson?

Well, let’s just say both the WRs are out there, causing havoc for the opposition’s defense. The Vikings WR also recorded his fifth straight 1,000+ yard season last year. With 17 starts against his name, Jefferson caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and even racked up 10 TDs. While Jefferson has declined Chase’s request to join the Bengals for now. One thing’s for sure: Ja’Marr Chase isn’t going to stop here. Not so soon.

Ja’Marr Chase’s sacrfice to have Justin Jefferson beside him and Joe Burrow

Picture this: It’s 2019, and LSU’s offense is basically that of the Avengers. Burrow’s the fearless leader with a cannon for an arm, Chase is making DBs look silly, and Jefferson? Man was gliding through secondaries like it was backyard football. These three weren’t just teammates — they were trouble for defenses. Burrow threw 60 touchdowns that year, and guess who caught 38 of ‘em? Yep, Jefferson and Chase combined.

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The Eagles just won the Super Bowl, so it is hard to say they are not dominant, as currently constructed....more

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Fast forward, and with Burrow and Chase leading Cincy’s offense, Jefferson is out there winning Pro Bowl honors with the Vikings, as if it’s just another day. And here’s the thing, Ja’Marr Chase isn’t leaving any chance to reunite the trio in Cincy, is he? Remember when he was ready to take a pay cut just to play with Jefferson and Burrow in Cincy? Yeah, that really happened.

The Bengals WR sat down with NBC’s Devin McCourty back in November 2023 and expressed his desire to reunite the trio. “Man, if we could do that, I’m with it, I’m with it,” Chase told back McCourty. “I ain’t a selfish player, I don’t mind. I might have to take a cut, he might gotta take a cut too. But I ain’t a selfish player – that would be fun to see.” And can you blame him?

Because the last time this trio played together was back in 2020, when LSU beat Clemson, 42-25, in the College Football Playoff National Championship. After that, Burrow dipped to Cincy as the No. 1 pick, Jefferson landed in Minnesota at 22, and Chase? He pulled up a year later to link back up with Burrow. But even with the reunion halfway complete, Chase clearly never stopped dreaming about getting the whole LSU gang back together.