The Minnesota Vikings had a horrendous performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, losing 26-0. They now fall to 4-8, and frustration among the fan base is at an all-time high.
However, it’s not just the fans that are aggravated; their star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, was seen visibly upset on the sidelines of the Seahawks game. Many are speculating that he may request a trade and are wondering how they can keep him happy.
What Can the Vikings Do To Make WR Justin Jefferson Want To Stay?
The Vikings decided to go younger in 2024, selecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. McCarthy was hot off a CFP National Championship, and head coach Kevin Stefanski was thrilled with his potential.
It also allowed the team to use the money they saved by having a rookie quarterback to boost the rest of the team. That included giving Jefferson a four-year, $140 million extension, which made him the highest-paid non-quarterback at that time.
But things have not gone according to plan; injuries have plagued McCarthy. When he does play, there are flashes of brilliance, but nothing consistent. PFSN’s QB Impact metric has him ranked 38th out of 41 eligible quarterbacks with a grade of F for his six games this season.
According to former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky on a recent episode of “Get Up,” the team won’t trade Jefferson, so they need to find a way to make him want to stay.
“The likeliest way that I think that they can keep him, or make him happy, is Daniel Jones or Mac Jones. That’s really the future in Minnesota. I think they’re going to have to bring some high end competition in for J.J. McCarthy.”
“The likeliest way they can keep [Justin Jefferson], or make him happy is Daniel Jones or Mac Jones.” 👀@danorlovsky7 on what the Vikings need to do at quarterback ✍️ pic.twitter.com/DMSto2EqPJ
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 1, 2025
Mac Jones is in his fifth season in the NFL but is on his third team. Jones, a two-time CFP National Championship winner, feels like a more likely possibility given that he has been looking to start again.
Jones was given the unenviable position of replacing Tom Brady, and while he made the Pro Bowl in his rookie year, he struggled to find his footing with the New England Patriots. Now with the San Francisco 49ers, he has done an admirable job backing up Brock Purdy.
Orlovsky added, “Mac Jones, I believe, is under contract for San Francisco, but could he be a trade target? The draft is not gonna be great, and you’re not drafting a kid to bring in with J.J. McCarthy because then there’s two unproven young players. In relation to Justin, does Mac Jones get you happy? Does Daniel Jones get you happy?”
According to PFSN’s QB Impact metric, Jones has a grade of B+ for the nine games he’s played in. That ranks him 10th in the league. While Purdy is ranked above Jones, he also has a grade of B+.
Jones might be just what the Vikings and McCarthy need, a veteran quarterback who is ready to help this team get the most out of all the weapons they have.
