Now, he didn't openly come out and say it. But there's no doubting Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice would be exuberant if the San Francisco 49ers somehow managed to figure out a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
It's important to acknowledge a Niners trade for Jefferson would be unlikely. He's the kind of receiver teams build around.
But, as some in the media like the SF Standard's Tim Kawakami have argued, Minnesota's current uncertainty at quarterback with J.J. McCarthy could ultimately lead to a blockbuster Jefferson trade in order to stockpile future assets for McCarthy's successor.
And, yes. San Francisco should definitely be interested if that happens, especially in light of its own uncertainty at wide receiver.
Oh, and Rice would be thrilled, too.
Jerry Rice crowns Justin Jefferson as the NFL's best WR right now
Rice recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show where he was asked who he felt was the NFL's best all-around receiver going, currently.
You probably guessed it by now, but the GOAT's answer was Jefferson.
"I still have got to go with Justin Jefferson," Rice said. "And even though he hasn't had a quarterback, this guy can do it all."
It's hard to ignore the subtle shot at McCarthy there. But that doesn't change Rice's opinion of Jefferson's abilities.
"He can stretch the field," Rice continued. "He can outjump you. He's not afraid to go across the middle. There are some great receivers out there, but I would still put him as number one."
Jefferson thrived with now-Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in 2024, hauling in 1,533 passing yards and 10 touchdowns before the switch to McCarthy, which resulted in a significant drop down to 1,048 yards and two scores.
So, from that vantage point, perhaps the all-world receiver would welcome a change of scenery.
It just so happens the 49ers have a glaring need there, particularly in light of Brandon Aiyuk's certain future to be dropped from the roster.
Should Jefferson find his way to the Bay Area, Rice would be happy about it.