Justin Jefferson Irked by Loss, Questions about Contract
Reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson abused the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday — for two quarters.
Justin Jefferson Irked by Loss, Questions about Contract
Then, the Vikings offensive gameplan went into a commode, Tampa Bay’s defense got the memo on Jefferson as a productive football player, and Minnesota lost accordingly, 20-17, in the season opener. Jefferson banked 150 receiving yards on 9 catches.
Near the end of the game, Jefferson appeared visibly flustered on the sidelines — that’s what competitors do when losing — and folks attempted to spin the reaction as Jefferson being just mad about his existence on the Vikings roster, in general.
That narrative didn’t go far, despite obvious media proliferation, as Jefferson talked about losing and his carefree attitude about his upcoming contract extension.
First, here’s the Jefferson disgruntlement:
Jefferson was asked after the loss if his feelings regarding the team + his contract had changed, and he replied, “I have the same mindset as I had before. At the end of the day, all I can do is play football. And that’s what I continue to do. I know my team.”
The Vikings front office and Jefferson’s representation worked all offseason to engineer an extension, to no avail as of September 10th, and both parties amicably agreed to revisit the discussions next offseason when the young wideout can fetch an even larger contract.
“My team doesn’t care about the contract, you know? And I don’t either. I just want to be here for my teammates, play for my teammates, and, of course, get these wins,” Jefferson added.
Unfortunately for Jefferson’s sake, the media, on the whole, will likely ignore his words about the contract and team aspect of his personality. It’s a safe bet that he’ll be asked about the lack of contract extension each time the Vikings lose in 2023 — a redundant and twisted nature of the beast.
Jefferson has gone out of his way in the three years to prove he’s not a “diva” wide receiver, consistently placing a team-first attitude above money, even telling reporters in the summer of 2022, “I’m not fond of money.” Still, inquiring about Jefferson’s current frame of mind is like bees to honey for media members, particularly after a depressing loss.
Minnesota lost a Week 1 home game with fans in attendance for the first time in 18 years on Sunday and now has three days to prepare for Thursday night football against the Philadelphia Eagles. If the Vikings drop that game, too, Jefferson will probably be asked about his extension — because, of course, he will.
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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