Andrew Buller-Russ
No one knew that when the Minnesota Vikings made Justin Jefferson the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he’d quickly become one of the most valuable players in the league. Yet, after taking the NFL by storm as a rookie, going off for a team rookie record-high 1,400 receiving yards, the evidence was all there.
Jefferson has since increased his yardage output by 200 yards each of the past two years, becoming a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. When it comes to the best receiver in football, there’s no question who’s No. 1.
When it comes to long-term prospects, there is no more valuable Viking. It’s Jefferson. While time is on the organization’s side, with two more years on his rookie contract, there’s a mutual desire to reach a long-term agreement with the NFL superstar.
According to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the front office is still discussing a new contract with Jefferson. But the GM also added that the team is in no rush to reach an agreement. The Vikings know they have plenty of time, and Jefferson has never indicated wanting to play anywhere else than for Minnesota.
While getting their best player under contract for many more years is a high priority, the Vikings also have a few other items on their offseason to-do list. Some of those include a contract extension for three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter and Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, both of whom are in a contract year.
Justin Jefferson will eventually become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, but as you can see, the Vikings might want to take care of more urgent business first.
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