NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Minnesota Vikings have arguably the best WR in the NFL in Justin Jefferson but how long will that last? Of all the great numbers Jefferson has posted and will continue to post, winning has eluded him and the Vikings. What happens when he wants more and they can’t deliver?
In 2023, Jefferson will earn $2.3M but in 2024, after exercising an option, the Vikings will pay Jefferson $19.7M. While he and the Vikings have had slight discussions on a longer-term deal, nothing is cemented yet. But the issue here goes deeper than the money Jefferson wants and what the Vikings are willing to spend to keep their star. The Vikings must take into account, the players they plan to place around their star receiver if he is indeed willing to stay.
As it stands now, the Vikings have Kirk Cousins as their QB but will Jefferson be willing to spend another year or two grooming a rookie if the Vikings were to trade or let Cousins go? Counting on a rookie has its risk. Losing normally accompanies young signal callers and is this something Jefferson is willing to sacrifice while his peers are on winning teams?
In his first 3 seasons in the league, Jefferson has caught 324 passes for 4825 yards and 25 TDs. If he ever hits the market, he will undoubtedly be the most sought-after receiver. Can the Vikings compete with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and other teams with stable and young QBs leading the way?
Will Justin Jefferson Leave The Minnesota Vikings
Losing Jefferson does not seem possible to Vikings’ fans but that’s because they’re not looking at the bigger picture. We have no idea if Justin Jefferson is built in the same mold as Damian Lillard. What’s most important to him, the money or the championships?
Despite winning 13 games last season, the Vikings still faltered when it mattered most. And to add salt to the wound, they lost two good offensive players this offseason. And with Cousins’ future up in the air, that could turn out to be the reason that Jefferson walks or even decides he wants a trade.
Now is the time for the Minnesota Vikings to go all in. Justin Jefferson will do his part but will everyone else? While young receivers like DeVonta Smith, AJ Brown, Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and others are floating behind him stats-wise, these players have played in a Super Bowl while Jefferson has been home watching. So, what’s more important, the accolades as the best or the chance to play in the biggest game?
Besides Jefferson, the Vikings have some unproven talent opposite him. The Vikings must find a way to prove to their WR that they are willing to do whatever it takes to not only keep him in purple but to prove they’re trying to win and not hit the reset button.
There was a time with Thielen was that guy in Minnesotans as he paired with a young Stefon Diggs. While the pair put up great numbers, it never resulted in a chance on the biggest stage.
Justin Jefferson has already done enough to warrant respect around the league but has he done enough to get that respect from his own team? The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock this season. Either start winning the big playoff games or run the risk of losing their best weapon.
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