The offseason of the wide receiver continues into team workouts. With the NFL Draft right around the corner, voluntary workouts are underway for the vast majority of teams. While players do not have to be there, it is noteworthy when a big-name player decides to sit out the practices. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is looking for a new contract, and head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that the three-time Pro Bowler did not show up for the workouts.
#Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said WR Justin Jefferson did not report today to Day 1 of voluntary workouts.
Reminder: It's voluntary. But Jefferson is waiting to get his 💰💰💰 pic.twitter.com/8QQYjlOW2d
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 15, 2024
As of this posting, it’s impossible to know whether or not this holdout will continue beyond the 2024 NFL Draft and into the mandatory minicamp. If it does, Justin Jefferson could be fined for missing time with the team, although a new contract would easily offset any fines. The only question is, when will he get the new deal, and who will give it to him?
Justin Jefferson Skips Offseason Workouts While Looking For New Contract
Several wide receivers are up for massive deals, including but not limited to Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, none are likely to earn the contract coming to Justin Jefferson. The LSU product was the fifth wide receiver selected in his class, but now you’d have a hard time naming five receivers better than him. Since entering the league, the former first-round pick has recorded 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in 60 games.
Tyreek Hill currently has the largest per-year contract of any wide receiver, but Justin Jefferson should easily exceed that. The salary cap has exploded in recent years and the veteran is only entering his age-25 season. He should have plenty left in his tank, and while he’ll probably sign with the Vikings, it isn’t a guarantee.
Justin Jefferson was a huge supporter of Kirk Cousins and desperately wanted the Vikings to re-sign the quarterback to a new contract. With Cousins now in Atlanta and Minnesota needing a new quarterback, both the Vikings and Jefferson himself could be willing to listen to trade offers. Any team in the league would give up heaven and Earth for the rights to a player this good, and these five teams make the most sense.
Possible Trade Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Far and away the most likely fit on this list, the Chargers currently hold the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. As of this posting, it appears as though four quarterbacks will go in the top six picks, but the Chargers already have their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. The Vikings have two first-round picks and will likely try to trade up for their quarterback of the future. However, instead of trading both of their first-round picks, they could trade their star wide receiver. Los Angeles needs wide receivers in the worst way, and they have plenty of cap space to sign Justin Jefferson to whatever contract he desires.
Arizona Cardinals
Most draft analysts believe that the Cardinals will select Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth-overall pick. The Ohio State product is one of the best prospects in recent memory and has the raw potential to be just as good as Jefferson. However, the NFL Draft is an inexact science, so instead of selecting an unproven commodity, they could trade the selection for Justin Jefferson, even if it does mean handing out a larger contract.
Carolina Panthers
The fate of the Carolina Panthers rests in the hands of Bryce Young. While the Alabama product had a rough rookie season, nobody could have succeeded in that environment. Carolina has done a good job of improving the offensive line and receiver positions, but they have yet to add a superstar. The Panthers would need to get creative with both the trade package and contract, but adding Justin Jefferson to the roster is the best way to turn Young into a true franchise quarterback.
New England Patriots
Chances are, the New England Patriots will use the third-overall pick on a quarterback. However, if they’re not in love with whoever is left on the board, then they could trade the pick to the Minnesota Vikings. New England’s roster is still a ways away from competing, but arguably the biggest need is wide receiver. Justin Jefferson would immediately fill that need, and the Patriots have the cap space to give him a massive contract. Whether it’s Jacoby Brissett or a second-round pick like Michael Penix, New England should have a much stronger roster with Jefferson in the building.
Kansas City Chiefs
With Rashee Rice facing serious legal trouble, the Chiefs suddenly have a glaring need at wide receiver. With L’Jarius Sneed off the payroll, the Chiefs suddenly have enough salary cap space to sign a superstar like Justin Jefferson. While this would lead to some holes on other parts of the roster, it wouldn’t matter since nobody would be able to keep pace with this high-flying offense.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
