New Round of Vikings + Justin Jefferson Contract Talks Incoming

Minnesota Vikings fans are, understandably, wrapped up in everything NFL Draft right now. But let’s not forget, there’s one other offseason decision, beyond who they choose as their next franchise QB, that will mean everything to how the next 3-5 years of this organization plays out.

Can general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah lock in a long-term contract extension with possibly the biggest non-QB superstar in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, who’s demanding his first non-rookie deal be equivalent to his superstar stature.

Another round of Justin Jefferson contract talks incoming

Related: Florio Wonders if Vikings are Waiting for Pick-Swap Tampering Reward from Falcons

Albert Breer (SI) believes JJ and the Vikings will eventually get a deal done, but that it will not be quick and/or easy. He also notes that the two sides plan to sit back down at the negotiating table to “dive headlong” into contract talks immediately after the NFL Draft.

I believe Jefferson will be on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster for the foreseeable future.

Now, that’s not to say that [getting a deal done] will be easy. Jefferson was eligible for a deal a year ago. He’s since incurred another year of injury risk and sustained a hamstring injury, causing him to miss seven games.

[JJ’s number is] sky high, for sure, and more than $30 million per year. It’s going to be a challenge to get a deal done, but one I think the Vikings dive headlong into after the draft, with the goal of making sure Jefferson is on the roster for a long time to come.

Albert Breer – MMQB (SI)

Most local and national insiders who have their finger on the pulse of this JJ situation believe an agreement will eventually be reached. But if a deal is not struck by the start of training camp, nobody is sure whether or not Justin Jefferson will actually suit up without a new deal.

It’s a good sign that Breer has confidence in a deal eventually being reached, too. But there’s no doubt that, should these latest round of negotiations fall through, the JJ trade steam will blow the lid off of the internet. So, let’s hope something gets done… and buckle up just in case it doesn’t.

Related: Local Insider Confident Vikings Will Complete Trade Up, Draft Top QB Prospect

One thing the Vikings could have working on their side, Breer claims, is that many believe there is a correction coming next offseason to the NFL wide receivers market and that Jefferson might be smart to get in now, before the bubble pops.

Over the past two years, since the explosion of deals in 2022 (Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown, etc.), the receiver market hasn’t moved much, meaning there’s a correction coming, especially given what we’ve seen happen with defensive lineman.

Albert Breer – MMQB (SI)