Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Vikings is reportedly in contract negotiations prior to the commencement of optional organized team activities.
On Monday, the first day of organized voluntary offseason exercises, Justin Jefferson was not at the Minnesota Vikings’ facilities, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and contract talks were in progress.
The All-Pro receiver’s absence from voluntary offseason activities in 2023 was also a result of contract disputes. When he showed up for the mandatory minicamp in June of last year and participated in the previous season, he and the team were unable to come to an extension deal.
If Jefferson misses the remaining voluntary programs this month, the focus of his discussions will shift to Minnesota’s mandatory minicamp, which is scheduled for June 4-6. Will a decision be made before minicamp? If not, would he report for duty without a signed extension this season?
Justin Jefferson’s headshot
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson, #18 for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023-2024; 1,074 yards; 107.4 yards per yard; 100 targets
68 Rec 5 TD
Jefferson wants a lucrative, long-term extension.
With five years remaining on his rookie deal, Jefferson will receive $19.7 million in 2024 should the Vikings exercise his fifth-year option. During the first four years of his contract, he has earned $13.3 million.
Three-time All-Pro and 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Jefferson has established himself as maybe the best wide receiver in the game in just four seasons. He has significantly outperformed the parameters of his rookie contract since the Vikings selected him with the 22nd choice in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he is due one of the largest non-quarterback contracts in the league.
Will Justin Jefferson and the Vikings reach a deal on the conditions of a contract extension? (Jonathan Becker, reporter)
Will Justin Jefferson and the Vikings reach a deal on the conditions of a contract extension? (Jonathan Becker, reporter)
With QB uncertainty and the A.J. Brown trade, the stakes are higher.
There are now more uncertainties over his negotiations due to the lack of clarity around Minnesota’s quarterback position. Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason after spending six seasons with the Vikings. Minnesota traded up to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the April draft. Sam Darnold will compete with him for the starting spot in the autumn since he is the quarterback of the future.
In the NFL, Darnold, who was selected third overall in the 2018 draft, is now the backup quarterback due to his poor performance. McCarthy might not be able to make an NFL starting roster. Whoever is chosen this autumn would greatly benefit from having Jefferson in the starting lineup. Getting him a long-term contract is Minnesota’s main priority.
Rejecting trade rumors concerning Jefferson in February, general manager of the Vikings Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stated, “We believe he’s the best receiver in the league, and he should be compensated as such.”
The Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown agreed to a three-year, $96 million contract in April, with $84 million in guaranteed money. Jefferson will surely attempt to top this new benchmark for wide receiver contracts, which this deal established.