Justin Jefferson Trade Theories Are Back
Did you miss them? The Justin Jefferson trade theories? Before Jefferson signed a monster extension in 2024, NFL-themed media suggested he could be traded to the highest bidder if the Minnesota Vikings didn’t meet his contract demands. Of course, the Vikings locked in the extension, but here we are again, with some believing Jefferson can be acquired via trade. This time, it’s San Francisco 49ers theorists.
The Jefferson-to-San Francisco idea has surfaced, and it’s born from 49ers-themed media.
The San Francisco Standard‘s Tim Kawakami thinks the 49ers could send Minnesota a Godfather deal for Jefferson, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might just take the bait.
Jefferson-to-49ers Chatter Is Here
Jefferson to the 49ers? The theory is out there.
Kawakami on Jefferson to SF
As San Francisco will need a WR1 this offseason, Kawakami arrived at Jefferson as a trade solution.
He argued, “Yes, Justin Jefferson. It’s not out of the question. And right now, the 49ers have the gravity to try to bend everything their way in this situation.”
“This idea was first suggested to me by ESPN’s Nick Wagoner on my podcast, and I was intrigued the moment I heard it. Jefferson and Christian McCaffrey probably are the two ideal playmaking fits for a Shanahan offense, and that’s enough to wonder how many first-round picks the 49ers should offer for Jefferson. I’d say at least two.”
In no way, shape, or form have the Vikings made Jefferson available via trade.
Kawakami continued, “Maxx Crosby seems to be on his way out in Las Vegas, and he’s long been one of the 49ers’ favorite players.”
“But if the 49ers can only get one of the two superstars, I’d circle Jefferson, because the 49ers’ need for a game-breaking receiver is greater than for another elite edge, and because Jefferson is easily one of the best 10 players in the league and, at 26, should remain there for many years to come.”
So far this offseason, 49ers-themed reporters and writers have connected San Francisco to two Vikings wideouts: Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
So … Why Would the Vikings Trade Jefferson?
There’s one large problem for The San Francisco Standard. Just why in the world would Minnesota trade Jefferson, who is, by leaps and bounds, the team’s best player?
The team will once again renew its Super Bowl aspirations in 2026. Few debate it. When that happens, the general manager won’t look around at his roster and say, “We want to contend for a Super Bowl, and we are therefore trading our best player.”
Too, “The 49ers should trade for Jefferson,” isn’t far away from, “Why won’t the Minnesota Timberwolves just trade for Victor Wembanyama. I don’t get it.”
It’s fun to daydream about splashy trades, but penning an article about a guy who isn’t for sale just seems fruitless and futile.
The Dead Cap Nightmare
Pretend momentarily that the Vikings did trade Justin Jefferson. The team starting the 2026 offseason over the cap by $35 million would eat a $46 million dead cap hit. So, yes, Minnesota would a) go through the hassle of trading its best player b) hope to navigate cap hell by adding $46 million of cap hell.
Perhaps if Jefferson were 31 years old, Super Bowl-less, and disgruntled with the Vikings — trading him to the 49ers would add up. But doing it in a pivotal offseason when the current general manager and head coach may be on the hot seat does not check out. The money isn’t right; the logic is faulty.
Aiyuk’s Vanishing Act
Why do the 49ers need a receiver? Brandon Aiyuk basically vanished from the team’s roster, gameplan, and orbit.
San Francisco signed Aiyuk to a meaty extension in August 2024, totaling $120 million over four years. He played terribly and uninspired to start the 2024 campaign, got hurt, hit injured reserve, and then never returned.
In fact, 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed general cluelessness about Aiyuk’s state of mind last week. They don’t know what happened to him or why he’s missing in action, and they sounded like a duo that would trade Aiyuk, if not outright release him.
Niner Noise‘s Luke Norris noted Sunday, “For the past several months, it was assumed by most that Brandon Aiyuk had played his final snap with the San Francisco 49ers, what with him basically going AWOL after the team voided the guaranteed money on his contract for the 2026 season for failing to meet certain obligations during the rehab process for the knee injury he suffered midway through the 2024 campaign.”
“Whether Aiyuk will be traded or just flat-out released is yet to be determined, but regardless of which scenario ends up playing out, San Francisco simply has to move on. But the loss of Aiyuk certainly isn’t the only issue the 49ers have to deal with as it pertains to the wide receiver position this offseason, as Jauan Jennings is set to become an unrestricted free agent, as is Kendrick Bourne.”
Much like the Vikings must formulate their quarterback plan this offseason, the 49ers will explore WR options.
“Lynch has made it clear that re-signing Jennings is a top priority, but even if that happens, the Niners would still need to add a deep threat, which Jennings really isn’t, as his 11.7 yards per reception ranked in a tie for 80th among all pass-catchers during the 2025 regular season,” Norris added.
“By comparison, Aiyuk averaged 15.0 yards per catch in 2024 before his injury and 17.9 yards per reception in his second-team All-Pro season in 2023.”
Without Aiyuk in 2026 and still holstering Super Bowl dreams, San Francisco needs a top wideout, which led Kawakami to the Vikings’ theoretical trade rumor mill.
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