The Minnesota Vikings hit the jackpot during the 2020 NFL Draft. While there were some fans disappointed that the team traded away emerging wide receiver Stefon Diggs, they weren’t upset for very long. With the first-round pick that they received from the Buffalo Bills in the deal, they selected LSU wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.
It was a player the team didn’t expect to be on the board, as a video went viral of their draft room being shocked the Philadelphia Eagles selected Jalen Reagor ahead of him. The Vikings quickly sent in their card for Jefferson, who has turned into a transcendent start in just three seasons in the league.
Jefferson can stake a legitimate claim to being the best wide receiver in the NFL despite entering only Year 4 and being 24 years old. He has set multiple league and team records through three seasons and will likely be claiming a few more times throughout his career.
There was no doubt that the Vikings would exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, locking him in through at least 2025. A long-term extension isn’t something that he is reportedly worried about, as he remains focused on the field.
“[Negotiations] happen every single year,” Jefferson said, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. “It’s not something that’s new towards the game.”
Despite how Jefferson feels about the situation, the Vikings would be smart to lock him into an extension now. It is unprecedented for players to receive extensions this soon, especially non-quarterbacks, but he is a special player.
Playing the waiting game could ultimately cost the Vikings more money in the long run. Jefferson’s LSU teammate, Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase, becomes eligible for an extension next year. He very likely will reset the wide receiver market, so if Minnesota wants to save a few bucks and set that market themselves, they will get a deal done this offseason.
With $19.2 million in cap space, the Vikings have the means to get a deal done. With the wide receiver market booming, the sooner the better because things will only get more expensive for them.
A new contract has certainly been earned with his performance. Jefferson has 324 receptions for 4,825 yards and 25 touchdowns. Last season, he led the league in receptions and yardage as teams cannot stop him; they can only hope to contain him.
