After the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings’ biggest question remains unsolved, since they have yet to sign Justin Jefferson to a large contract. Throughout the process, the Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that they regard Justin Jefferson as the best wide receiver in the league, as well as one of the best non-quarterback players in the league. How do the other Vikings players and staff feel about Justin’s contract, and how confident is everyone in the organization that the agreement will be completed?
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell discusses Justin Jefferson’s contract.
March 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, United States; Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, speaks to the media at the NFL Annual League Meetings at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports
On Monday’s episode of Up & Adams, head coach Kevin O’Connell discussed Jefferson’s contract predicament.
“I know everything will be worked out there. Justin is aware of my affection and appreciation for him, as well as the fact that he plays an important role in what we do here. That’s on the field and off the field; he brings such a positive attitude to our building every day. And he is the ultimate competitor when it comes to stepping between the white lines. Few people can accomplish what he can do, but it’s all about how he conducts himself, how he works, and how he motivates his teammates to improve. Justin Jefferson is a key member of this organization.”
The sentiment is nothing new in Minnesota, where general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has also emphasized Jefferson’s worth while preaching patience during contract negotiations. Jefferson is owed $19.7 million in 2024 as a result of the fifth-year option he exercised on his rookie contract, but if no extension is reached, he will become a free agency after the season. Justin Jefferson is a record-breaking talent who outperforms his opponents. Despite missing seven games in 2023, he still accumulated 1,000 yards.
Everyone in the Vikings organization understands what needs to be done.
December 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before the game versus the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports, General Manager of the Minnesota Vikings. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah understands the importance of keeping Jefferson on the roster and plans to close the deal. Adofo-Mensah aims to give Jefferson the attention he deserves, stating, “We want Justin to have a full week whenever we sign him.” If we signed a deal, I believe Justin deserves a full month to celebrate. We’re looking forward to working toward that. We’ll keep going. You can’t have all these goals and talk about all these aspirations without mentioning King Linchpin, so we’ll keep working toward that final goal.”
Justin Jefferson will become a free agency after the 2024 season, thus securing a new contract as soon as possible is critical for Minnesota’s future. With the 2024 NFL draft behind them, the Vikings are now focused on keeping the all-star wide receiver in purple and gold for as long as possible.
If this deal gets done, it will reset the wide receiver market.
Justin Jefferson
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) looks up into the crowd after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel/USA TODAY Sports
Jefferson, who has nearly 6,000 receiving yards in just four NFL seasons, will undoubtedly reset the wide receiver market if/when he can get a long-term contract. The Philadelphia Eagles recently made A.J Brown the highest-paid wide receiver with a $96 million agreement that averages out to $32 million per year, but 24-year-old Justin Jefferson has undoubtedly been one of the NFL’s best playmakers when healthy.
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