Patriots-Themed Site Claims Justin Jefferson Trade Is More Than a Rumor
It’s never been even remotely suggested by the Minnesota Vikings as an organization or advanced by Justin Jefferson’s representation, but the NFL media community has decided in the last couple of weeks that Jefferson could be traded this offseason. And probably before or during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Patriots-Themed Site Claims Justin Jefferson Trade Is More Than a Rumor
Nobody really knows why the possibility is considered realistic, instead filed under the category of writers’ and fans’ daydreams by most.
But one website, the New England Patriots arm of SI.com, claims a Jefferson trade is more than just rumor. It believes Jefferson could be a Patriot by the time the 2024 season rolls around.
Mike Fisher of SI.com, who has covered the NFL for 40 years, wrote Monday, “We can tell you, as it relates to the idea of the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings visiting about a potential blockbuster? We think this is more than a rumor. According to a report from Minnesota that we will at this point label as “credible,” the two teams have engaged in discussions about a monster trade.”
The report cited by SI.com is from the Pioneer Press and an individual source known more for speculation than predictive outcome.
Jefferson is expected to fetch an unbelievably large contract extension from the Vikings this offseason, and the team’s leaders have stated for over a year that the deal will be finalized. Yet, as each day passes with no Jefferson extension, outsiders continue to suggest a Jefferson trade as viable.
“And so Jefferson could be available. Also in play: Depending on what the Vikings do with quarterback Kirk Cousins, they might want to jump to the No. 3 slot (while needing to part ways with multiple first-round picks in order to get up there) to pick a QB. And there is this: Doesn’t New England, which certainly has a desperate need for a spectacular playmaker like Jefferson, also have the same need at QB that Minnesota has?” Fisher added.
Jefferson entered the NFL in 2020 and has since shattered records galore, even after missing seven games in 2023 with a hamstring injury. If the Vikings were remotely interested in trading the phenom playmaker, a market for his services would be robust.
Jefferson said at the Super Bowl’s radio row a few weeks ago, “I’m definitely grateful for what Minnesota has done for me. I definitely wouldn’t be in this situation if they didn’t pick me, to be the fifth receiver taken. With everything that has happened and everything I have gave to the organization, of course, I would want to stay.”
Moreover, at the 2023 NFL Combine, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said, “I don’t want to be the Vikings’ GM without that guy on our team,” referring to Jefferson’s eventual extension.
And in the last 12 months, the Vikings owners, the Wilfs, plus head coach Kevin O’Connell have offered verbal commitments to extending Jefferson for the long haul.
The problem, however, is that the NFL community evidently doesn’t believe any of the Vikings’ brass. Instead, websites like the Patriots wing of SI.com earnestly believe Jefferson could end up in New England.
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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