The Minnesota Vikings undoubtedly want to sign standout receiver Justin Jefferson to a long-term contract, and they’ll probably pay him whatever he demands to do so.
Just one catch exists.
Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network claim that Jefferson told the Vikings he wouldn’t sign a new contract unless he was aware of the team’s quarterbacking plans.
When Jefferson finally signs a new contract, it is anticipated to surpass Tyreek Hill’s four-year, $120 million ($30 million per season) contract as the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.
Regarding the Vikings re-signing Kirk Cousins, who played in 2023 on a one-year, $35 million contract but will become a free agency in March, Jefferson has been vocal. When Cousins becomes a free agent, Spotrac predicts his market value to be $39.3 million per season and believes he will sign a three-year, $118 million contract.
Since joining the league in 2020, Jefferson has only played with Cousins as a quarterback save from injuries. He has 392 receptions, 5,899 yards, and 30 touchdowns in his four seasons. During that time, he has the second-most receiving yards, sixth-most receptions, and eleventh-most touchdowns.
Cousins acknowledged last month that he would like to rejoin the Vikings, saying that at this point in his career, organizational structure is more important to him than money, even though he may draw a lot of interest on the free-agent market.
According to Cousins, via ESPN, “I think that God has blessed me financially beyond my wildest dreams.” Therefore, at this point in my work, money isn’t really the main concern.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson response after being asked who’s going to be throwing him the ball in 2024:
“I have no idea. It could be could Kirk, it could not be Kirk… it doesn’t matter who is going to be throwing me that ball. I’m always going to be that same type of player.” pic.twitter.com/1rBC7gdYrz
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 8, 2024
Week 8 saw the Cousins overcome the Green Bay Packers 24-10 before suffering an Achilles injury that ended his season. At the time of the injury, he was enjoying a career year and was on course to set new career highs in passing yards (4,953) and touchdowns (38).
The Vikings have options besides re-signing Cousin, which is probably the most likely scenario. These include trading for Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, drafting a passer like Michael Penix Jr. of Washington, Bo Nix of Oregon, or J.J. McCarthy of Michigan, or going after a top free agent like Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, or Gardner Minshew.
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