Justin Jefferson Reaffirms Stance on Contract Extension
Dustin Baker
|
Justin Jefferson wants to remain with the Minnesota Vikings, a stance he’s held since his talk of his extension picked up steam last year.
Justin Jefferson Reaffirms Stance on Contract Extension
Vikings leaders, too, have affirmed a commitment to keep Jefferson for the long haul, and eventually, the franchise will have to put pen to paper.
This week, in Las Vegas, Jefferson talked to Mad Dog Radio on radio row at the Super Bowl, and his opinion is the same about staying in Minnesota. The league’s 2022 Offensive Player of the Year told Adam Schein, “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.”
Jefferson’s extension should fetch $30 million or more per season, and the agreement could be reached as early as now. It’s worth noting that Jefferson is under contract in 2024, too, and if necessary, the team could apply the franchise tag, although most don’t believe that tactic will be needed.
“I feel like eventually, the Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building, but I don’t really know at this very moment, only time will tell,” Jefferson added.
A few days after the season ended, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah explained that he has “a great relationship” with Jefferson’s agent and that their “shared history” alongside doing “a lot of the work last season.” He also said he was “looking forward to those conversations.”
Last August, Vikings owner Mark Wilf reduced any mystery about Jefferson’s long-term fate in Minnesota, “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.”
And, over a year ago, Adofo-Mensah also called re-signing Jefferson champagne problems. “I wouldn’t use the word challenge. You got a special player, a special person. Those aren’t problems. Or at least those are champagne problems,” Adofo-Mensah replied when asked about the feasibility of a long-term deal.
Jefferson missed seven games in 2023 with a hamstring injury, and the franchise was curiously 5-2 without his services and 2-7 with him in the lineup. Some media outlets and personalities have even suggested Minnesota should trade Jefferson this offseason to climb up the draft board for a quarterback prospect. Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd was the most recent.
The phenom playmaker also said on radio row Wednesday, “I want to break the bank and I want to be a part of an organization that wants me, and to really give me what I deserve.”
Jefferson will turn 25 in June.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.