What Else Are the Vikings Saving For?

Trade
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings still haven’t completed the expected contract extension with wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The next big date on the calendar is mandatory OTAs on June 4. His price has certainly gone up, but so has the Vikings’ ability to spend. What is taking so long?

What Else Are the Vikings Saving For?

There shouldn’t be any level of ambiguity between Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings at this point. They know he will become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, and his ability to break the bank means he’ll likely surpass other position groups as well. Jefferson’s representation has outlined the expectations for their client, and the Vikings are well aware.

Justin Jefferson
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.

Moving on from Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter meant Minnesota would open up a sizable amount of cap space. With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror and free agency largely concluded, there are few areas for the roster to be still infused with talent. Even when adding a talent or two, it shouldn’t be expected that Minnesota has any avenues for more significant contract additions.

The staredown with Jefferson has lasted long enough. Neither side is currently doing long-term damage to the other, and the expectation remains that a deal will get done. By avoiding any absences and not making the story a larger one than it has already become, the Vikings would be doing themselves a favor.

Vikings
Minnesota General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media about the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft from the TCO Performance Center. The Vikings have long-term draft needs at quarterback, cornerback, and interior offensive line.

Given the relatively large dollar sum Jefferson’s deal would require, any amount Minnesota would save is largely pennies on the dollar. By the time Jefferson has played even half of his contract, it stands to reason that he’ll have outpaced the deal and could be deserving of an inflation-related adjustment.

It’s time. It has been time. The Minnesota Vikings are playing a waiting game while having the funds set aside with no other intention. Take the product to the checkout lane and ring it up.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.

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