It wasn’t exactly intentional, but Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson still lobbed a wild shot at the New York Giants’ quarterback room—and Giants fans definitely caught it.
While making the rounds at the Miami Grand Prix this past weekend, Jefferson was chatting with Bleacher Report about Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide. But instead of just expressing surprise the Colorado quarterback fell to the fifth round, Jefferson went out of his way to throw shade at the G-Men.
"I mean, [the] New York [Giants don't] really have a quarterback. Steelers? Cleveland definitely does need a quarterback also."
So let’s unpack that.
Justin Jefferson’s QB amnesia is wild
For starters, the Giants have a quarterback room that includes Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart, and Tommy DeVito. It’s not perfect—no one’s saying this is the reincarnation of Joe Montana and Steve Young in San Fransisco—but you’ve got a Super Bowl champion, a former No. 1 overall pick, a promising first-round rookie, and the most beloved backup in New York since Frank Reich.
Now let’s look at Minnesota. Jefferson’s current quarterback situation includes J.J. McCarthy, who hasn’t played a single NFL snap, Sam Howell, who is 5-13 as a starter, and Brett Rypien who is still in the league. That’s the whole list.
You want to talk about not having a quarterback? Giants fans know what that looks like—trust us, we’ve lived it. But to hear it from someone riding into 2025 with a redshirt rookie and a guy Washington Commanders fans couldn’t wait to run out of town? That’s rich.
No one’s denying Sanders has talent. The Giants did more work than anyone on the kid. But it’s no secret that his interview didn’t go great. He didn’t pick up on mistakes in the Giants’ install, didn’t like being called out for it, and the team moved on. That’s not a crime—it’s just how things go sometimes.
Meanwhile, Big Blue drafted with conviction and got their guy in Jaxson Dart, a QB they felt could be the future of the franchise. Who's to say he isn't?
Justin Jefferson is one of the most talented receivers in the league. But maybe take a look at your own sideline before questioning someone else’s. Because if the Giants “don’t really have a quarterback,” what exactly do the Vikings have?
We’ll get an answer soon enough—the Giants and Vikings square off this season. Until then, Russell, Jameis, Dart, and DeVito will be in East Rutherford doing the work. No need to explain themselves to a wide receiver whose current QB1 hasn’t even taken an NFL snap.