The 2 Big Takeaways from Justin Jefferson’s Comments at Super Bowl
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson highlighted radio row at the Super Bowl on Wednesday, making the rounds on various shows.
The 2 Big Takeaways from Justin Jefferson’s Comments at Super Bowl
Predictably, all hosts had the same idea for questioning Jefferson — they all basically asked the same thing — wanting to learn his status about a contract extension. And the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year didn’t hold back. He was forthcoming.
These are the two major takeaways.
1. Jefferson Wants to Stay with the Vikings
Some social media accounts — ones that lift quote segments and splice them into out-of-context tweets solely for engagement — tried to paint a portrait of a disgruntled Jefferson. But all it took was a person’s full attention to learn the real takeaway(s).
Jefferson wants to remain in Minnesota. He told Adam Schein of Mad Dog Radio, “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.”
There’s no mystery about it and, in fact, Jefferson’s position remained consistent from last offseason. He’s ready to sign for the long haul; the Vikings just need to oblige his asking price. It’s not unusual for a player to get this far on his rookie deal and wait for an extension. CeeDee Lamb in Dallas and Tristan Wirfs in Tampa, both from Jefferson’s draft, can tell you all about it.
Watch the full clip.
2. “Break the Bank”
With no ambiguity, attaching Jefferson to the Vikings depth chart for the next several years will not be cheap. Affordability is not on the menu, not one bit.
Jefferson stated 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. I feel like, eventually, the Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building.”
Yes, this probably means $30 million or more dollars per season. The goal for Jefferson would be to earn more annual average salary than any wide receiver in history, and if anyone deserves it, it’s Jefferson.
In July 2022, Jefferson said to the Pioneer Press, “I’ll focus on contract after the season. Our main thing is reaching to that goal, but I’m not really too fond of money. I’m really just trying to get that goal of being the best receiver.”
Those days are gone. Jefferson has gone from “not too fond of money” to “I want to break the bank.”
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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