Justin Jefferson is considered by most to be the best wide receiver in all of football.
Turning 25-years-old next month, the three-time All-Pro has yet to even reach his prime.
Not to sound overly dramatic, but if Jefferson keeps up his current pace, he could very well go down as one of the best receivers in NFL history – maybe even THE best.
After letting the high-priced Kirk Cousins leave for Atlanta, most people assumed it was only a matter of time before the Vikings locked Jefferson up to a long-term extension.
Considering Jefferson’s talent and value, the anticipated extension is expected to be historic and unprecedented.
Some argue that the money bar shouldn’t be raised too high for receivers – but the fact of the matter is wide receivers have never been more impactful than they are now, and Jefferson is at the top of the class.
But could there be trouble brewing in Minnesota???
According to reports, Jefferson is not with the Vikings for the start of their organized team activities…
Normally, this wouldn’t be the end of the world, especially nowadays where players are increasingly staying away from their teams if there’s any contract drama.
However, the latest development in the matter makes the Jefferson situation a little more interesting…
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, Jefferson was spotted in Florham Park, New Jersey over the weekend.
What makes that nugget so fascinating??? … Well, Florham Park is where the New York Jets’ headquarters is located.
“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),” Ragazzo reported on X.
The true purpose of Jefferson’s visit to Florham Park remains unclear at this time.
However, with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in town and Gang Green looking to go all-in on a Super Bowl run this season, it’s more than fair to wonder if something is brewing behind the scenes.
Jefferson, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, is poised to command a historic payday … The question is which team will be awarding him that payday?
The LSU product has proven to be as close to unstoppable as a wide receiver at the NFL level can get … For his career, Jefferson has hauled in 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Despite missing a portion of the 2023 season due to injury, Jefferson’s performance remained stellar, registering 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns.
His standout 2022 season was his most impressive to date. He led the NFL in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) that year.
While Jefferson would undoubtedly be impactful no matter what the circumstance, the role Kirk Cousins has played in his early success cannot be overstated.
Perhaps the most underrated and underappreciated quarterback in the league, Cousins is now off to Atlanta.
Meanwhile, the Vikings will most likely turn to the winner of the Sam Darnold vs. J.J. McCarthy competition. Nothing against either of those talented quarterbacks, but neither is currently at the level of Cousins.
Could all of this lead to a drop-off in production for Jefferson? … And perhaps inevitable frustration?
If the Vikings actually consider entertaining trade offers for Jefferson, they would be expected to command a near-unprecedented haul in return.
Would avoiding having to dish out a record-contract while accumulating valuable draft picks and assets be enticing enough for Minnesota to consider shipping the generational-talent out of town?
What are your thoughts on the situation? … Is Jefferson indeed the best wide receiver in all of football?
Do you think him being in Florham Park had anything to do with the Jets?
Should the Vikings consider trading him? … What kind of deal would a fair trade look like?
At the end of the day, what will end up happening???