The general consensus in NFL circles is that the Minnesota Vikings are “starting over” after losing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency.
As the NFL Draft draws ever nearer, there is much speculation that the team may also send off one of the top offensive threats in the league before the 2024 campaign begins. To that end, wide receiver Justin Jefferson was absent from the first day of the Minnesota Vikings’ voluntary workouts which began on Monday.
Jefferson is reportedly seeking a record-breaking long-term contract. Whether it comes from the Minnesota Vikings or another team remains the question. The four-year NFL veteran is set to make $19.743 million this season in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.
What Will Minnesota Vikings do with Jefferson?
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The multi-million dollar question this offseason is, “What will the Minnesota Vikings do with Justin Jefferson?” For a team seen as sinking in the NFC Central pecking order as their three division mates appear on the rise, the Minnesota Vikings may end up deciding to cash in on Jefferson’s talent via trade rather than hand over an exorbitant payday to the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year to run routes for a rebuilding team.
Jefferson’s value via trade may bring the Minnesota Vikings just the kind of draft-pick haul to jump-start the team’s rebuilding efforts. However, the team has remained tight-lipped regarding its plans for the 22nd overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In four NFL seasons, the LSU alum has tallied 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in 60 NFL games.
Minnesota Vikings in Touch with Jefferson
For now, Jefferson remains part of the Minnesota Vikings future plans, in spite of the lack of a new contract. Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke at a press conference Monday and addressed the matter, telling KSTP-TV:
“I’ve had a lot of great dialogue with Justin throughout even the early part of this offseason and leading up. My hope is we can get him around the team. Obviously such a special player, but it goes beyond that this time of year because of just the energy and flat-out way he goes to work.”
For now, there is no penalty for missing out on team workouts. However, if Jefferson continues to hold out for the start of minicamp in June, fines would begin to accumulate.
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Tom Carothers is a sportswriter with more than 20 years of experience covering sports at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Still longing for the return of his Minnesota North Stars, he has a high pain tolerance as a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Browns, and Tottenham Hotspur.
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