Justin Jefferson, Vikings Plan to Push Contract Negotiations to Next Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to reach an agreement with Justin Jefferson, on a record-breaking contract extension, before Sunday, when the season begins vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That means, contrary to recent reports, negotiations will be set aside until next offseason.

According to Adam Schefter (ESPN), both sides worked hard to get a deal done, but in the end, they couldn’t find a middle ground worth inking a contract over. Luckily, Jefferson is still expected to play out the 2023 season, just like he would have with a new contract, maybe hungrier.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings table contract negotiations

Vikings’ All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson is not expected to sign a contract extension before Sunday’s opener, per sources. Both sides made a strong effort to get a deal done, but the plan now is to revisit after the season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2023

Under his current deal, which was signed after he was drafted #22 overall by the Vikings in the 2020 draft, Jefferson will make $2.4 million in cash and count $4.2 million against the 2023 salary cap.

A JJ extension would have cost the Vikings a lot of future money but, if he stays healthy and continues to produce, those numbers are only going to get bigger. I can’t say I see what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is thinking, on this one. Let’s hope his big brain knows better than mine.

Also Read:
Will Kirk Cousins Sign Discounted Contract to Stay with Justin Jefferson?

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan