The biggest question attached to the Minnesota Vikings outside of the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins: How much money can his All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson make with his new deal?
In an era where NFL wide receivers are changing the phase of contracts and breaking the bank, many believe the ultra-productive Viking will be awarded the next hefty deal. Unfortunately, his team got ripped online over the report they might be “hesitant” about his fully guaranteed money.
Minnesota Vikings Reportedly “Hesitant” Involving Justin Jefferson’s Next Deal
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio revealed on Feb. 8 that the Vikings come with “exceptions” when it comes to making fully guaranteed deals.
“Exceptions must be made, specifically as to the team’s ‘rule’ that full guarantees will apply only to the year in which the contract is signed,” Florio wrote. “They’ve made that exception for quarterback Kirk Cousins. If they want to keep Jefferson — and if they want to keep him happy — they MUST make it for him, too.”
Well, 10 days after that revelation, the Vikings remain mum about what kind of negotiations they’ll have with their star wideout. Florio revealed these new nuggets to KFAN that detail how the Vikings’ front office is holding things up.
“They are playing with fire here on multiple fronts with Justin Jefferson, whose patience is eventually going to run out. I can confidently say [that] J.J. is very patient, but his patience will have its limits,” Florio said.
The NFL insider added: “It’s not the dollars, it’s the structure. They don’t want to guarantee in full money beyond the first year on a deal for anyone other than the quarterback position.”
This report came with instant criticism from NFL fans directed toward the Vikings.
Fans Urge Vikings To Pay Jefferson Now
Once Florio’s report and words spread across the internet, fans immediately took to social media to make their demands to the Vikings.
“Pay Justin Jefferson everything. C’mon now,” one fan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Another fan wrote: “He’s their franchise/future…give him what he wants.”
One Vikings fan, though, is not panicking about the report involving the multiple-time Pro Bowler.
“There’s no way this is true. Everyone is freaking out. JJ is going to re-sign for big money & be a Viking for years to come. It’s a lock,” the Viking fan posted.
Other fans, though, are preparing for the worst-case scenario involving Jefferson and the only NFL team he’s ever played for.
“I’ve got a feeling the Vikings are going to screw up their shot at keeping Justin Jefferson,” one other fan said online.
However, some things are brewing as a result: trade ideas from fans speculating on the situation where the Vikings and Jefferson don’t come to an agreement. One Kansas City Chiefs fan envisioned two first-round selections and star defensive tackle Chris Jones being sent to Minnesota in exchange for Jefferson.
MORE: ‘I Want To Break the Bank’ — Will Justin Jefferson Be in Minnesota Long-Term?
Since his arrival as the 22nd overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson has established himself as one of the league’s premier wideouts. He’s produced 1,000-yard campaigns in all four NFL seasons. He led the league in both receptions and receiving yards in 2022 with 128 catches and 1,809 yards.
This past season though, Jefferson was limited to nine starts and 10 total games. He settled for a career-low 68 receptions but still surpassed the century mark by hitting 1,074 yards.
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