The NFC team Minnesota Vikings are motivated to extend superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson but trade is still possible. According to a report, the Vikings are in active contact talks with the wideout so it seems like a deal will go through. The source said the new deal will probably be a “market-altering” deal that reshapes the market. It could make him the highest-paid non-quarterback, exceeding $34 million annually.
However, the LSU product has been in a few trade rumors this offseason that would see him move on. The rumors were before the NFL Draft which made the contract talks interesting. It’s still possible that the team could explore the trade idea, but it seems likely that the two sides will work out a contract extension. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said that it’s “possible” Jefferson could have a new contract by next week.
He’s still set to earn $19.7 million in 2024, the final season of his rookie contract. 49ers Nick Bosa is still the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, but things can always change by then. Jefferson may be looking for a deal surpassing A.J. Brown’s contract, earning $32 million annually. The three-time All-Pro selection has been surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first four seasons.
His receiving yards are the most for any player through his first four years in league history. However, the trade rumors are still interesting considering the Vikings were probably never giving him away but they may do so for the right price. Bleacher Report made a few proposals involving trade scenarios which include sending Jefferson to the Steelers while the Vikings get George Pickens in return. However, there’s no doubt that the Vikings would be downgrading if they made the swap happen.
NFC Team Minnesota Vikings “Motivated” To Extend Superstar WR Justin Jefferson, Trade Possible?
Will the Team Move On?
It’s hard to imagine a scenario involving Jefferson leaving the team. However, they may be looking at the value rather than the cost at this stage. It’s a concern for any team to have a high-cost player no matter the talent they have since they would want to reduce as much space for other players. The Steelers could still make the trade happen if it means giving several first-round picks to the Vikings along with Pickens.
Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to find a replacement since trading Diontae Johnson to the Panthers. However, they were able to take a unique approach this year by signing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson for the quarterback position. Adding Jefferson would beef up the competition to give them a reliable weapon to see who would be the long-term leader of the team. Pickens coming to the Vikings wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing since he’s still on a rookie contract.
He still has promise as the No. 1 receiver like he is for the Steelers since Johnson’s exit. However, he isn’t what Jefferson is in terms of the star power that he provides. It would take a lot for Minnesota to move on from arguably the best player on their roster. Here are some potential trade fits for Jefferson.
Potential Trade Fits for Jefferson
The New Orleans Saints are still finding a reliable star power-proven receiver to help Derek Carr. Chris Olave has some promise as the No. 1 wideout for years to come. However, if they want to contend in this competitive NFC, they better start picking up the phone to make some offers. Don’t get your hopes up but the idea of Jefferson coming to Kansas City would be a dream for Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs have been struggling the past two seasons to find their true No. 1 receiver despite winning two consecutive Super Bowls. Marquise Brown leading the WR group while Rashee Rice is suspended doesn’t look promising. Kadarius Toney may be on the verge of a trade or cut while Xavier Worthy needs time to adjust to the offense. Jefferson’s addition would only mean true star power for the roster.
The loss of Odell Beckham Jr. is going to affect the Ravens no matter what. They were able to extend Rashod Bateman but he hasn’t been consistent the last season. This means the team doesn’t want to have Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews as the only consistent pass-catchers.
