A 29-year-old wide receiver who has played on four teams and has a little over 2,000 combined yards for his career. That’s who Van Jefferson was to many who saw him before he signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Jefferson, who was most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was viewed as someone who could flash ability but might not be a significant impact player. He has made some receptions and plays when given the opportunity this season, but he is no higher than sixth on the team in terms of receptions. However, he does help guide the young wide receivers with advice, especially regarding Cam Ward.
“He(Ward) is a rookie quarterback. We have to be on time with our routes.”
Van Jefferson talks after the 26-9 Titans win over the Chiefs about Cam Ward and his advice as a veteran wide receiver to the young wide receivers and Cam Ward. #TitanUp #NFL pic.twitter.com/HNQs82bEBd
— Mike Patton 🏈🎤🖋 (@MikePatton82) December 21, 2025
And for the most part, give or take a few misses, the receivers have been on time with their routes. But like any other young wide receiver, there is room to grow and a learning curve as they continue to grow.
Along with helping the younger wide receivers on the team, he has also been there to help the Titans' number one overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward. Ward, who was 21/28 for 228 yards and two touchdowns, had this to say about the impact of Jefferson:
“He’s able to let me know just certain leverages that a defensive back is playing. It helps with my ball placement.”
Having a wide receiver who can help you connect what you are seeing to what they are seeing is enormous, especially for a rookie. And that has definitely been a key factor in Ward's development on the field, but it is not the only one. His presence has really captured the attention of Ward:
“When things get rough, he always stays in the right mindset. He never gets too high. He never gets too low.’”
"When things get rough, he always stays in the right mindset. "
— Mike Patton 🏈🎤🖋 (@MikePatton82) December 21, 2025
Cam Ward talks about Van Jefferson and how he has played a role in his development. #TitanUp #NFL pic.twitter.com/UGAEitvVhN
That type of steady leadership and presence is vast when it comes to a rookie and even a young wide receiving corps like the Titans have. Jefferson provides calmness and the ability to keep the heart rate of the players around him even.
Jefferson is truly a guy whose stats do not tell the whole story of his impact. The fact that Cam Ward can remember things he does for him and his wide receivers, even when they're not catching the ball or running the correct routes, means he has made a lasting impression on the younger players as they acclimate themselves to the NFL. Whether Jefferson is back next year or not is unknown at this time. But what is known is that there are lessons he taught that can be applied and carried forward by players he came into contact with.