The Minnesota Vikings are a team in transition and, depending on what happens in free agency, could trade wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a surplus of picks. After failing to come to terms on a contract extension before the 2023 season, quarterback Kirk Cousins responded with the best season of his career. While the campaign was interrupted by a season-ending Achilles injury, the four-time Pro Bowler appears to be on his way back to full health and now has a clear path to free agency.
The Vikings and Cousins could come to terms on a long-term deal, but that’s anything but a given. A healthy version of Cousins is a borderline top-10 quarterback in the league and will receive a hefty paycheck. Quarterback has always been the most important position in the game, and that has never been more true than in today’s pass-happy NFL. A team like the Atlanta Falcons could easily outbid the Vikings, putting the organization in a tough spot.
Minnesota does not have a Plan B if Cousins leaves in free agency. With a glaring need at quarterback, the Vikings could trade up to secure their next answer under center. If the team needs to get aggressive, reports indicate that the organization could look to trade Justin Jefferson.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: There is "steam" that the #Vikings could make WR Justin Jefferson available via trade, per @Charley_Walters pic.twitter.com/r8aLroBG2e
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 25, 2024
A Justin Jefferson Trade Is Becoming More and More Likely
Justin Jefferson is perhaps the most valuable wide receiver in the game and should fetch a fortune in a trade. While Tyreek Hill put up better numbers with the Miami Dolphins, Jefferson’s combination of talent and age makes him a player that all 32 teams would love to have. Despite only playing in 10 games, Jefferson still managed to haul in 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns on 100 receptions while catching passes from Cousins and the underwhelming trio of Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jarren Hall.
Elite non-quarterbacks generally net two first-round picks in a trade, and the Vikings should expect a similar return for his services. Not all first-round picks are created equal, as a top-five pick is worth quite a bit more than the 29th pick in the draft. Minnesota would probably like to trade into the top five, but they might have to settle for trading Jefferson for two first-round picks and then using those picks to move up in the NFL Draft in a separate transaction.
As mentioned earlier, every single team in the league would love to have Justin Jefferson on their roster and should at least inquire about a trade. However, considering their current roster build, these five teams make the most sense.
Possible Trade Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs traded their star receiver and promptly won the next two Super Bowls. While this might dissuade some from making a Justin Jefferson trade, the offense was not its usual unstoppable self in 2023. While Rashee Rice looks like a future building block, the team needs to start planning for what comes next after Travis Kelce. Kelce is a unique tight end and, as the Patriots learned, you can’t just throw money at free-agent tight ends and hope to have similar results. Rather than trying to replace Kelce with a lesser option, they should invest in an elite pass-catcher at the wide receiver position.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers gave Bryce Young nothing to work with in Year 1, but they can change that by adding Justin Jefferson in a trade. Players like Jefferson don’t come around too often, and if Young still can’t get the job done with him catching passes, then it will be time for the Panthers to look for someone who can. The hardest part of the equation here is trying to figure out what they could give up to get Jefferson, seeing as they have no first-round pick in 2024.
Tennessee Titans
Will Levis showed some promise as a rookie, but he’ll have a tough time building upon that with Tennessee’s current roster. DeAndre Hopkins is the only reliable weapon on the team, and the Titans offensive line is probably the worst in football. While a Justin Jefferson trade won’t directly solve the offensive line woes, blocking wouldn’t be nearly as important when Jefferson can get open before a pass rusher reaches Levis. Plus, even with Jefferson on the roster, Tennessee still has the financial resources to address the offensive line in free agency.
New England Patriots
If the Patriots like Jayden Daniels, they will hold on to the third-overall pick and never let go. However, if they’re not sold on the LSU product, then perhaps they’d be willing to trade the selection for a superstar receiver in Justin Jefferson. While this would leave them without a young quarterback, perhaps they’d be willing to roll the dice on someone like Bo Nix or Michael Penix in the second round.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens need to do something to finally get over the hump in the playoffs. While their regular seasons are usually dominant (at least when Lamar Jackson stays healthy), the team simply can’t keep that momentum going in the playoffs. With a need at wide receiver, perhaps the Ravens could trade for Justin Jefferson and finally get to the Super Bowl. If this happens, a trio of Jefferson, Zay Flowers, and Mark Andrews should be able to overpower any defense in the league.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
