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.
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.
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.
