BR Predicts Vikings Blockbuster Trade Sends Justin Jefferson to Arizona

Justin Jefferson has solidified himself as one of the NFL’s elite players, following yet another 1,000 yard receiving performance in 2023, even though he missed a quarter of the season. But the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year is approaching the end of his rookie deal, prompting discussions about a well-deserved contract extension.

While many anticipate the Vikings will make JJ the highest paid non-QB in football, there are an underwhelming minority of NFL fans and pundits who actually believe GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might have the audacity to trade their superstar wide receiver, instead of paying him.

Related: Could the Vikings be Shopping Justin Jefferson?

Justin Jefferson To The Arizona Cardinals?

It started last week with former Minnesota Twin turned local insider, Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) who wrote last week that there’s a better chance JJ is dealt than anybody is talking about. Then on Tuesday, Bleacher Report took Walters’ column and ran with it, speculating Jefferson being dealt to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

A franchise like the Arizona Cardinals could be highly interested if Jefferson becomes available. Arizona is loaded with draft capital this year, owning 13 selections overall with six of them coming in the top 90 and two in the first round. Converting some of those picks into a player of Jefferson’s caliber would be a shrewd move for a franchise looking to contend again with a healthy Kyler Murray at the helm.

Given Arizona’s leading pass-catcher was tight end Trey McBride (81 receptions, 825 yards and three touchdowns) this past season, it’s obvious the squad needs to bring in an elite receiver to round out the offense. Drafting someone like Marvin Harrison Jr. could be an option at No. 4 overall, but using that pick to land a sure-thing in Jefferson via trade should be even more alluring.

Alex Kay – Bleacher Report

Justin Jefferson Trade Value

Trading your best player, in his prime just doesn’t make a lot of sense, but Bleacher Report believes Walters may be onto something. As for what Minnesota could net in return for JJ, here’s what Kay dreamed up:

• Arizona Cardinals receive: Justin Jefferson
• Minnesota Vikings receive: 2024 first-round pick (No. 4 overall), 2025 first-round pick, 2024 third-round pick (No. 71 overall)

Should The Minnesota Vikings Do This?

I think if you showed this trade to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, you may not be hung up on, but they’d probably get a pretty quick “no”. But truthfully, I don’t know if there are any trade packages for JJ that the Vikings might actually be intrigued by.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Can Sign Cousins, Jefferson and Hunter Without Breaking Salary Cap Bank

It is worrisome that we are even talking about trading Jefferson, the guy completely changes the team and if the Vikings want to win, they need to sign him to an extension ASAP, not entertain trades for him.

Unless ownership opts for a full-scale rebuild, which there is no evidence of, JJ will still get his 2024 paychecks from the Minnesota Vikings. They’ll just be worth a lot more. GM Kwesi Adofo Mensah knows that his success will eventually be determined by wins and losses. And guess what, trading JJ will not equate more wins.