The Minnesota Vikings are eager to secure star receiver Justin Jefferson with a lucrative long-term contract, demonstrating their willingness to meet his demands. However, Jefferson has laid down a significant condition before committing to any new deal: he insists on clarity regarding the team’s future quarterback situation.
Reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, Jefferson has made it clear to the Vikings that he won’t ink a new contract until the uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback position is resolved.
When Jefferson eventually puts pen to paper, it’s anticipated that his contract will surpass the record-breaking deal of Tyreek Hill, totaling $120 million over four years ($30 million annually), making it the largest contract ever signed by a wide receiver in NFL history.
Expressing his preference for continuity, Jefferson has vocally advocated for the return of Kirk Cousins, who played the 2023 season under a one-year, $35 million contract and is set to become a free agent in March. According to market assessments by Spotrac, Cousins could command a yearly salary of $39.3 million, potentially signing a three-year contract worth $118 million upon entering free agency.
Since entering the league in 2020, Jefferson has exclusively played alongside Cousins, amassing impressive statistics over their four seasons together: 392 receptions, 5,899 yards, and 30 touchdowns. His performance ranks him among the top players in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns during this period.
Although Cousins may attract interest from other teams in free agency, he expressed his desire to continue with the Vikings, prioritizing organizational stability over financial gain at this stage of his career.
However, Cousins’ season was cut short due to a season-ending Achilles injury sustained during a Week 8 victory against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the setback, he was enjoying a stellar season, on track to establish new personal bests in passing yards (4,953) and touchdowns (38).
While the Vikings are inclined towards retaining Cousins, they are exploring alternative options, such as acquiring Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields via trade, selecting a promising passer like Michael Penix Jr. from Washington, Bo Nix from Oregon, or J.J. McCarthy from Michigan in the draft, or pursuing top free agents like Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, or Gardner Minshew.
Regardless of their decision, the Vikings must ensure Justin Jefferson’s approval to avoid potential complications when negotiating his contract extension. Failure to address his concerns could lead to a contentious situation for the team.
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