Justin Jefferson caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to a First-Team All-Pro appearance in 2024. But he’s looking to improve upon those numbers this season.
When speaking to reporters after practice on Thursday, Jefferson alluded to wanting to become an even more complete receiver this season.
Just figuring out the different things that I did last year and figure out my weaknesses, my strengths, and just work off that. I feel like every year it’s definitely, you know, hard trying to, you know, outdo, you know, the previous year, but I feel like that’s what makes me me and that’s what makes me, you know, chase greatness.
Perhaps Jefferson is beating himself up over his limited impact on the final two games of the season. In Week 18, the Detroit Lions got physical with Jefferson, limiting him to three receptions for 54 yards in a 31-9 loss. One week later, against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, Jefferson managed just five receptions for 58 yards.
A large part of his limited impact was due to Sam Darnold’s ineffectiveness in those games. But the Lions and Rams sold out to take Jefferson out of the game, succeeding while doing so.
Even if Jefferson isn’t speaking about those games in particular, Jefferson’s 2024 season felt quiet compared to years past. His 90.2 yards per game was his lowest since his rookie season, and he only had five games of at least 100 yards.
But that’s the standard he holds for himself. He will miss some time in camp after suffering a hamstring strain, but he should be ready for Week 1. When he returns, he will look to exceed last year’s output, even with a new quarterback.
