EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 21: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after the first half during the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Justin Jefferson knows he has something to prove in 2026. So does Kyler Murray. One thing they have in common is how they are choosing to approach this season. Both players have the desire to quiet those who doubt and reclaim what they lost.
The Minnesota Vikings superstar has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most dominant wide receivers. But last season was a down year in the stat books largely due to quarterback play. Now, with Kyler Murray taking over at quarterback, Jefferson believes he has the opportunity to remind the league exactly where he belongs. He finished with 84 receptions for 1,048 yards in 2025, giving him six consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards to begin his career. But he also posted career lows in receiving yards and touchdowns, finding the end zone only twice.
In a recent The Athletic story, NFL writer Michael Silver detailed Jefferson’s confidence heading into the season and his excitement about playing with Murray. Jefferson was particularly candid when Silver asked whether he is currently viewed as the NFL’s best wide receiver.
“Not yet. Not yet,” Jefferson told Silver. “But they will (know) after this year — I’ll tell you that.”
I love that fire from Justin Jefferson, and fans should be excited about it too. The quarterback controversy in Minnesota has been polarizing for Vikings fans, but Jefferson believes in Kyler Murray’s talent.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 15: Kyler Murray #1 of the Minnesota Vikings looks down the field after a pass during a preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 15, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Jefferson Is Excited About What Murray Brings
Jefferson sees something special about Kyler Murray. One of those is his ability to keep plays alive even when the original design breaks down. According to Silver’s reporting, Jefferson praised Murray’s athleticism and his ability to create opportunities outside the structure of the offense.
“What excites me is his ability just to be an athlete,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson spoke about Murray’s mobility and how that can turn what appears to be a dead play into another opportunity for a receiver to make a play.
“When a play might be dead, he’s able to kind of move with his feet and make something happen,” Jefferson said. “So, you’re always alive, and you’re always just expecting that the ball is going to come your way.”
Giving receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison time to run secondary routes could be a major advantage. Cornerbacks trying to cover Jefferson and double-team him is hard enough. Covering him for an extended play becomes a difficult task. Murray’s scrambling ability creates additional opportunities when things don’t go according to plan. Murray can escape pressure and could give Jefferson more time to separate downfield. That can create the kind of explosive plays that have defined his career.
Murray’s Arm Talent Has Surprised Jefferson
The most revealing part of Jefferson’s comments was his assessment of Murray as a passer.
Jefferson acknowledged to Silver that Murray’s throwing ability has been better than he expected after getting an up-close look at the quarterback in Minnesota.
“His throwing ability is also something that has really, really surprised me,” Jefferson said. “And seeing the different types of throws he’s making, where he’s throwing the ball, it’s been really, really surprising me.”
That is great to hear as Vikings fans. I personally witnessed it at Vikings training camp on August 11th and 13th. I consistently saw Kyler Murray excelling on throws, especially on deep throws that were eye-opening. One of the challenges I noted was J.J. McCarthy’s underthrown deep balls. The underthrows created contested catches or gave defenders time to tackle the receiver. Murray, however, has been really good in what I’ve seen. He was leading his receivers so they can make plays with their legs. That could be a big game-changer for the number of big plays we could see from the Vikings in 2026.
Murray’s mobility has always been one of his defining characteristics. He needs to combine that ability with consistent accuracy and aggressive downfield passing. If he does, Minnesota could have the ingredients for a much more dangerous passing attack.
And Jefferson, along with the extensive weapons that include Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson, may be the beneficiaries.
GettyEAGAN, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 01: Head coach Kevin O’Connell talks to Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings during Training Camp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 01, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Vikings Need Murray as QB to Work
Minnesota’s path back to the postseason won’t depend solely on Jefferson and Murray. The Vikings will need improved play throughout the roster and consistency from Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
But there may not be a more important offensive connection on the team.
If Kyler Murray can give Jefferson the type of quarterback play he’s been missing, both players could be on track for a great season. Murray has 87 starts under his belt and has the experience, and has averaged better than 67% accuracy in his career. A resurgent Jefferson could mean more than another All-Pro season or a new contract and home for Murray. It could mean a revitalized Vikings offense, a legitimate NFC playoff push and the return of Jefferson to the top of the NFL’s wide receiver conversation.
For the Vikings and fans, that’s the best-case scenario. A happy Jefferson also keeps their superstar in purple. And Murray needs Minnesota to work just as much. Re-establishing himself in the two-time Pro Bowl form he once had may be enough to keep this duo together beyond this year.
Steve Hoikkala covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints. A sports writer since 2025, his work has been featured with PurplePTSD.com covering the Minnesota Vikings, and is the Owner/Editor at Fantasy15Football.com. More about Steve Hoikkala
Vikings Justin Jefferson Believes In Murray’s Arm & Athleticism