Like Cam Akers, Van Jefferson could be on the move. The Los Angeles Rams are looking to trade the fourth-year receiver, who played just two snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s loss.
With Cooper Kupp back, Jefferson has dropped to fourth on the depth chart and isn’t expected to play many snaps moving forward. Hence, the Rams’ willingness to move him in a contract year.
Buy Rams TicketsWide receivers carry more value than running backs, so Jefferson should fetch more than Akers did, but the Rams shouldn’t expect to get a ton for him. If they do trade Jefferson, these five teams could be potential suitors.
(Update: Jefferson is being traded to the Falcons)
1
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers make the most sense as a landing spot for Jefferson. His dad, Shawn Jefferson, is the Panthers’ wide receivers coach, and the team is reportedly looking for wide receiver help on the trade market.
For a team that wants to build around No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, adding Jefferson for the remainder of this season and potentially re-signing him in the offseason makes a lot of sense. He’d be a nice complementary piece next to Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark, giving Jonathan Mingo more time to develop.
2
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings just lost Justin Jefferson for at least four weeks due to a hamstring injury, which landed him on IR. They’re in desperation mode at 1-4 and can’t afford to keep losing because if they do, Jefferson may not want to rush back to the field after Minnesota didn’t reward him with the contract he was seeking.
The Vikings are coached by Kevin O’Connell, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator from 2020-2021, so he spent two years with Jefferson. Minnesota is a very logical suitor for the fourth-year receiver.
3
Kansas City Chiefs
Though the Chiefs’ receivers have improved since a disastrous season opener, it’s still not a very impressive group. Jefferson has plenty of experience and can help out as a deep threat, which could open up things underneath for Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney.
The Chiefs have depth all the way down to Justyn Ross and Rashee Rice, but Jefferson would give them a clear-cut starter to help Patrick Mahomes.
4
Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams is out for the year with a torn ACL, which has thrust Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston into bigger roles. Johnston hasn’t looked like a starter up to this point and could use time to develop, which the addition of Jefferson would help with.
Brandon Staley was on the Rams’ coaching staff in 2020 when Jefferson was drafted, and though he was the defensive coordinator, he knows the receiver well.
5
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is only five deep at wide receiver and the group isn’t the most impressive beyond Mack Hollins and Drake London. As a team that uses a lot of 12 personnel and not nearly as many three-receiver sets as the Rams, Jefferson may not be a perfect fit. But at the very least, he would add some depth at the position in case one of the starters gets hurt.
The Falcons are trying to compete this year and adding a proven talent like Jefferson could help Desmond Ridder out.
