Crazy Trade Idea for Vikings Hits Social Media
Dustin Baker
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Kirk Cousins to the New York Jets? No, not that one.
Danielle Hunter to a Super Bowl-contending team? Not that one, either.
Crazy Trade Idea for Vikings Hits Social Media
How about Justin Jefferson to the New England Patriots via midseason trade? Yes, that’s the one, according to FanDuel.
The renowned sportsbook tweeted the theory Monday afternoon, four days after the Minnesota Vikings fell to 0-2 by losing to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football, “The Vikings are 0-2 and might need to hit the reset button. But would they actually consider trading Justin Jefferson to the Patriots?”
And according to FanDuel — evidently — the deal would look like this:
Patriots Receive:
Justin Jefferson
Vikings Receive:
2024 1st-Rounder
2025 1st-Rounder
2024 3rd-Rounder
Jefferson and the Vikings brass failed to secure a long-term deal this summer, instead placing the extension talks on hold until February or March. Jefferson will become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history when the agreement is reached, likely tipping the scales at $35 million per year.
Jefferson remains under contract in Minnesota through the end of the 2024 season.
So, Jefferson will stay the Vikings face of the franchise, already tabulating his best season to date and on pace for a gaudy 2,626 receiving yards in 2023, his fourth campaign as a pro.
If Vikings fans are anxietal about a Jefferson trade, as outlined by FanDuel, they should remember general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s musings on Jefferson’s extension from February. His remark was quite telling when he replied to a question about Jefferson’s future in Minnesota.
“I don’t want to be the Vikings’ GM without that guy on our team,’ Adofo-Mensah declared at the 2023 NFL Combine.
Adofo-Mensah added, “It’s a high priority. We’ve got to make sure we do in the order that we can do it in, obviously, given all of our other decisions we have to make.”
Six weeks ago, Vikings owner Mark Wilf reduced any mystery about Jefferson’s long-term fate with the Vikings, “Everyone is working together on this contract.”
“We are certainly aware of the magnitude of this one. We are certainly aware. Certainly involved. Justin Jefferson, we want him to stay as a Minnesota Viking,” Wilf affirmed.
Jefferson won’t be traded, and tweets like FanDuel’s are designed for engagement spitballing.
The Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and are a one-point favorite to score their first win of the season.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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