Most people consider Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson the best overall wide receiver in football.
The three-time Pro Bowler will turn 25-years-old in a few weeks. In other words, he hasn’t even approached his prime yet. The sky is the limit for just how good he could possibly become.
Due to his value and endless potential, most assume it’s only a matter of time before Jefferson and the Vikings agree to a historic contract extension.
With the salary cap rising and wide receivers being viewed more valuable than ever, it’s safe to say that Jefferson will end up singing the richest contract ever given to a wide receiver in NFL history.
Again, most people assume that contract will be handed out by the Vikings.
But will it actually???
According to reports, the Vikings actually flirted with the possibility of trading Jefferson in the leadup to last month’s NFL draft.
Minnesota reportedly had their eyes set on LSU star receiver Malik Nabers and were considering trading up to the fifth pick to snag him.
Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press wrote about the rumor in his Sunday column.
“Pssst. There was buzz at draft time that the Vikings wanted to move from No. 11 to No. 5, not to pick a quarterback but to get LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was picked No. 6 by the Giants. Had that trade occurred, Jefferson would have been traded and Nabers would have been the No. 1 receiver.”
Assuming that rumor was true, Minnesota would have came away with the ultra-talented Nabers and Jefferson would have ended up on another team.
The pure LSU connection of that whole scenario is fascinating in its own right.
But had that scenario actually played out, it would have sent shockwaves through the football world to say the least.
In actuality, the Los Angeles Chargers stayed put and drafted stud offensive lineman Joe Alt with the fifth pick, while the Giants took Nabers next at six.
(Ironically, Alt was #1 on Big Blue’s wish-list after quarterback Drake Maye was off the board, but Jim Harbaugh made sure Alt didn’t last past their pick.)
Speaking of Harbaugh, the Vikings of course ended up selecting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy who they reportedly fell in love with during the draft process.
We’ll see who ends up winning the quarterback competition between McCarthy and Sam Darnold.
But whoever ends up coming out on top, the entire state of Minnesota is anxious to find out if Jefferson will still be hauling in receptions while wearing a Vikings uniform.
Last week’s report of Jefferson being spotted near the New York Jets training facility didn’t do much to put nerves at ease for Vikings fans.
“Sources: Star WR Justin Jefferson was spotted in Florham Park, NJ, over the weekend, which is where the Jets facility is located … Jefferson is looking for a new contract with the Vikings. It’s possible MIN could trade him if they can’t come to terms on a new deal (opinion),” Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported on X.
While crazier things have happened, it remains a strong likelihood that Jefferson will end up staying in Minnesota.
Despite their rumored flirtation with dealing him, the Vikings have stated numerous times that their priority and intention is to hammer out a long-term extension with Jefferson.
One thing is for sure, Minnesota is certainly a better team WITH Jefferson than without him.
What are your thoughts on the report that the Vikings were looking to draft Nabers and trade Jefferson?
Is Jefferson indeed the best wide receiver in football?
What type of contract do you think he’s truly deserving of?
At the end of the day, will Minnesota be able to work out an extension with Jefferson to keep him in purple and gold???