After the 2020 NFL Draft, few decisions captured the unpredictability of talent evaluation more than the Eagles selecting Jalen Reagor at No. 21—passing up on Justin Jefferson. At the time, many believed Jefferson was Philly’s top target—a proven, polished receiver with SEC dominance under his belt. Instead, the Eagles chose Reagor, a speedy, high-upside athlete whose college résumé lacked the refined route-running and technical polish typically needed for early NFL success.
The reaction from the Minnesota Vikings’ draft room—reportedly laughter—said it all. It wasn’t just that Jefferson was the more refined player; it was that Philly seemed to overlook the difference between potential and proven performance. That misstep would shape not only the team’s near future but also leave a mark on the broader NFL landscape for years.
Now fast forward to a lighter moment outside the league. During a casual Call of Duty session with former Bengals star Chad Johnson, Ja’Marr Chase playfully teased, “I could get Justin [Jefferson] to come to the Bengals.” And given his recent massive contract extension and rising stardom in Cincinnati, why not dream? The idea of reuniting LSU’s 2019 offensive trio—Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson—was every offensive coordinator’s fantasy. That LSU team rewrote the record books, and bringing that chemistry to the pros would be electric.
But Jefferson quickly shut it down: “No, you can’t.” Brutal honesty, but a bit hilarious too. He’s clearly committed to the Vikings and new quarterback J.J. McCarthy—for now, anyway. So, the dream of a full LSU reunion stays in the college highlight reels
Still, both Jefferson and Chase have become franchise cornerstones. Chase, now on a $161 million deal, just wrapped up a monster season with 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jefferson? Another 1,500+ yard campaign, 10 touchdowns, and his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. These guys are putting on a show, even on separate teams.
And Chase? He’s not done hoping. Back in November 2023, he told NBC’s Devin McCourty he’d even consider taking a pay cut to bring Jefferson to Cincinnati. “I ain’t a selfish player,” Chase said. “That would be fun to see.”
The last time all three were on the same field together was in LSU’s 42-25 title win over Clemson. Burrow went No. 1 overall to the Bengals, Jefferson landed in Minnesota at No. 22, and Chase joined Burrow in Cincy a year later. The reunion may only be partial for now, but if Chase has anything to say about it, that LSU dream team might still have one more act left.
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