The Chicago Bears’ wide receiver room has improved from one of the worst in the NFL to one of the best following an offseason in which the Bears added veteran Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and youngster Rome Odunze to join DJ Moore.
Even though Allen is a free agent after this season, the Bears are in a good position with Odunze in the first year of his rookie contract (if signed) and Moore under contract through 2025.
That fact has reduced the Bears’ incentive to try to reach a contract extension with Allen at a time when the wide receiver market is increasing by the day.
The Minnesota Vikings appear to be learning that lesson, as contract negotiations with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue. Contract conflicts are taking centre stage, with all eyes on Jefferson and the Vikings, as several teams begin structured team exercises this week.
Jefferson is a free agent after this season and did not participate in the Vikings’ exercise on Monday.
Fans of the Chicago Bears wish they could avoid Justin Jefferson in the NFC North.
While there was conjecture at the end of the 2023 season and into the summer that the Vikings would aim to sell Jefferson and go through a semi-rebuild after veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons, it appears like Minnesota is trying to stay competitive. Whether veteran Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy starts the season as the Vikings’ quarterback, Jefferson will remain the focal point of the offence going forward.
A player like Jefferson skipping the start of a team’s offseason program is frequently the first step toward a deal being made.
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