The Minnesota Vikings made headline news earlier this week when they dished out a record-breaking four-year, $140 million contract extension to All-World wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
The historic deal comes with $110 million guaranteed.
While we have certainly seen larger contracts in recent years, this one is noteworthy because it’s the largest deal every given to a non-quarterback in NFL history.
Throughout virtually the entire offseason, there were rumors swirling over Jefferson’s future in Minnesota.
While the Vikings’ front office made it clear – at least publicly – that they wished to keep him for the long-haul, there was speculation that they’d be open to trading Jefferson if they were approached with a deal that swept them off their feet.
Needless to say, the only deal that ended up happening was the one that the Vikings and Jefferson agreed to.
At the end of the day, the three-time Pro Bowler will be remaining in Vikings purple, at least for the foreseeable future.
However, just because no trade ended up happening doesn’t mean that teams didn’t try.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Vikings were approached by several clubs about a possible blockbuster deal for Jefferson.
“This was all before the draft,” Schefter revealed on the latest episode of “The Adam Schefter Podcast.”
“And every team that called the Vikings before the draft was told, ‘We’re not trading him.’ The conversations went nowhere with anybody.”
Schefter elaborated on the lack of progress, stating, “Never, ever got close. There were teams that reached out …The New York Jets reached out about Justin Jefferson. The Indianapolis Colts reached out about Justin Jefferson. The 49ers reached out about Justin Jefferson”
There were reports that the Vikings flirted with the idea of trading up in April’s draft to select LSU star receiver Malik Nabers.
Many tried connecting the dots and wondered if deep down Minnesota preferred to snag Nabers and in-turn ship out Jefferson so they wouldn’t have to sign him to such a massive extension.
As talented as Jefferson is, that’s not the craziest thought in the world. After all, no team wants to commit that much of their salary cap to a wide receiver.
Of course, the New York Giants ended up selecting Nabers with the sixth-overall pick.
Meanwhile, the Vikings traded up to the 10th spot to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Needless to say, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the organization is hoping that McCarthy can develop into a franchise quarterback.
Getting back to Jefferson – he has been dominant ever since stepping foot on the field at the NFL level.
In his four seasons, he has hauled in 382 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns. He holds a remarkable average of 98.3 receiving yards per game.
In other words, you could almost bank on the century mark from Jefferson each and every time he straps on the pads.
It’s fascinating to think about the teams that tried to trade for Jefferson.
How about the Jets? … Teaming Jefferson up with Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson – Wow.
Even more mind-blowing is the 49ers … Can you imagine Jefferson joining the most loaded team in the entire league with mastermind head coach Kyle Shanahan pulling the strings???
My oh my, think about what could have been…
What are your thoughts on the teams that tried to trade for Jefferson?
Do you think the Vikings ever came close to dealing him? … Or do you think he was virtually untouchable the entire way?
What about the record-breaking contract Minnesota ended up giving him? … Too much? Too little? Or just right?
Is Jefferson indeed the best receiver in all of football???