The NFL offseason brings with it a flurry of rumors, and one intriguing speculation making rounds lately revolves around the Minnesota Vikings potentially putting their star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, on the trade block. However, Vikings’ general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, unequivocally dismissed this notion during the NFL Combine.
Adofo-Mensah stated firmly, “The idea of trading Jefferson has never even crossed my mind,” as reported by The Athletic.
Coach’s Stance
Echoing the sentiment, Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, made it clear that trading away Jefferson, their standout player, was not on the table.
“We have absolutely no plans to trade Justin Jefferson,” O’Connell emphasized via Pro Football Talk. “There have been no discussions whatsoever, whether internally or externally. I am fully convinced that Justin is unparalleled in his position in football.”
Justin Jefferson Stellar Performance
Justin Jefferson’s prowess on the field speaks volumes. He is widely regarded as the premier receiver globally and is poised to secure the title of the highest-paid wideout in NFL history. This monumental achievement could materialize during the ongoing offseason.
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Jefferson boasts an impressive track record, having amassed the highest receiving yards in a player’s first four seasons in NFL history, totaling 5,899 yards. Furthermore, he joined an elite group of players by recording 1,000 receiving yards in just 10 games or fewer in the previous season. In 2023, Jefferson’s average of 107.4 receiving yards per game ranked him second in the league.
Injury Setback
Despite a setback due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for seven games in 2023, Jefferson’s performance in the preceding year was nothing short of historic. His remarkable stats included a league-leading 128 receptions, 1,809 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. These numbers not only set new franchise records for the Vikings but also earned Jefferson the prestigious Offensive Player of the Year award.
As discussions swirl around Jefferson’s anticipated record-breaking contract, comparisons are drawn with existing top deals in the league. Tyreek Hill currently holds the highest average annual value contract at $30 million per year, while A.J. Brown leads in terms of fully guaranteed money with $56.47 million. However, it’s crucial to note that the Vikings face a significant decision regarding their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who is now a free agent. Additionally, reports suggest that Jefferson is keen on understanding the team’s quarterback plans before committing to a long-term deal, according to NFL Media.
