Breaking: Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Wants Vikings To Sign $18 Million Rival QB

Prior to the Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold reaching an agreement to replace Kirk Cousins as their quarterback, top receiver Justin Jefferson supported rival quarterback Justin Fields of the NFC North.

In a 2021 appearance on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd, Jefferson referred to Fields as “dominant,” stating that if he joined the Vikings, he would put pressure on rival teams. Following Cousins’ exit, the video tapes have surfaced again, casting doubt on Fields’ ability to stay in Chicago.

“We need to continue our work after Kirk. Being a dominant quarterback, as Justin Fields is, puts a little more pressure on other teams. Jefferson said as much in 2021.

Fields is projected to be phased out of the Chicago Bears’ future as they are expected to choose a quarterback first overall in this year’s draft. Fields is approaching the final year of his four-year, $18 million rookie contract.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson’s Extension Talks Unchanged By Kirk Cousins’ Departure

The confirmation of Kirk Cousins’ departure to Atlanta this week sparked trade rumors involving Jefferson once again, and while Minnesota still lacks an answer, the Vikings have a good chance of landing Jefferson in the long run.

WR Justin Jefferson was almost extended by the Vikings last offseason, according to a March 12 X (previously Twitter) story by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah vehemently objected to the notion of trading the star in Indianapolis. The departure of Kirk Cousins hasn’t caused any changes. @alec_lewis and I have sources telling us that the Vikings do not intend to trade Jefferson.

The NFL has grown frustrated with the current contract negotiations involving the best wide receiver in the league. The Vikings have historically awarded extensions around June, so it’s possible that talks will continue until then.

As a result, Jefferson’s status will remain uncertain for at least a few more months while the NFL offseason is underway.

Justin Jefferson Turned Down $30 Million a Year Contract: Report

Since the previous offseason, the Vikings had attempted to extend Jefferson’s contract, and they nearly succeeded before the 2023 season began.

While acknowledging that the Vikings were “unbelievably close” to signing Jefferson, Adofo-Mensah pointed out that it is unusual for a non-quarterback to sign an agreement before to their fourth season. He made these remarks during this year’s combine.

“We have our reasons for wanting to accomplish it sooner; they have their reasons for waiting. In the end, we had to find a way to work together, find a middle ground, and determine how to best accomplish our goals, Adofo-Mensah stated at a press conference on February 27.

The contract that Jefferson turned down was worth more than $30 million year, according to information released by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 12. Tyreek Hill’s 2021 deal shattered the record for the league’s highest wide receiver salary.

Schefter stated on “NFL Live” that “I think he’s going to sign an extension if the money’s right.” He hadn’t rejected more than $30 million annually prior to the season.

And that’s when it becomes an organizational choice. And the Minnesota Vikings: are you willing to spend whatever it takes to elevate Justin Jefferson to the position of football’s highest-paid wide receiver? Would you like to do it now? Or, would you rather say, “Maybe we’d be better off starting over when it comes to a quarterback, even though we adore the player and think he’s fantastic?”