NFL: Justin Jefferson ranks 2nd in Vikings history for receiving yards

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is now the second-ranked Minnesota Vikings player for receiving yards. The 22-year-old entered Sunday’s game against Cleveland Browns with 1,654 receiving yards, the third most in franchise history and four shy of Percy Harvin, who he leapfrogged. 

Randy Moss holds the Vikings record with 2,726 yards, which he accomplished over the course of his first two seasons, that is 32 games. Capping Minnesota’s first possession with a touchdown reception, Jefferson registered the 10th score of his career and ninth in 10 career home games.

Also read: NFL: Carolina QB Sam Darnold registers 5th rushing TD, enters NFL history books

Cleveland Browns led Minnesota 14-7 with about four minutes to go until the full-time whistle. 

Last week, on an 8-yard pass by Kirk Cousins in the first quarter, Justin Jefferson became the fastest Vikings player to reach 100 receptions in team history. He had entered Minnesota’s Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks with 99 through his first 18 games.

The previous record was  set by Jermaine Wiggins and matched by Stefon Diggs at 20 games. 

Also read: A look back at Tom Brady’s most memorable games with New England Patriots

Jefferson played college football at LSU and was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He set an NFL rookie record for receiving yards with 1,400 and was named to the Pro Bowl.

Jefferson signed a four-year, $13.12 million contract with the team, with a $7.1 million signing bonus. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team in July, 2020, before being cleared and activated a week later.

The 22-year-old made his debut in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, recording two receptions for 26 yards.