Breaking: Vikings All-Pro Justin Jefferson is headed to Cincinnati, Insider Reveals
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There has been a fantasy scenario with Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson getting back together after they both joined the NFL in 2020 after winning a National Championship at LSU. That only intensified once Ja’Marr Chase was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the subsequent round.
We are now at the height of the rumor mill for this exact situation to occur, following reports that wide receiver Tee Higgins of the Bengals has stated his wish to be traded and that Jefferson turned down a $30+ contract offer from the Minnesota Vikings.
Tyler Eifert, a former tight end for the Bengals, couldn’t pass up the chance to add gasoline to that fire by joking—we think—on Twitter that Jefferson was being dealt to the Bengals.
Now listen, even with what appears to be a perfect storm coming together, there is very little possibility that this actually occurs. Both Jefferson and Chase would have to choose to accept a little reduction in their lucrative blockbuster deals, which would otherwise pay them a combined $30+ million a year for the following three to five years.
Cincinnati would also likely need to trade significant draft money to Minnesota in addition to Higgins. It is necessary to consider that there is a 0.0000001% probability that this will be successful.
Even though it seems like a Madden pipe dream, that slim probability would be among the most exhilarating things the Bengals have ever experienced.
Ja’Marr Chase Issues Cryptic Message Amid Justin Jefferson Speculation
Awildly successful bayou gridiron band will resurface in Cincinnati if Ja’Marr Chase gets his way.
The top wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals posted a mysterious message on social media on Tuesday, raising questions about the future of his former teammate Justin Jefferson. Kirk Cousins’ free agency departure to the Atlanta Falcons has cast doubt on Jefferson’s future as the premier wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
Regarding the prospect of Jefferson reuniting with Chase and fellow former LSU Tigers standout and current Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase remarked, “this will be a krazy story to tell.” In order to win a national championship in 2019, the three had an incredible season at LSU.
In November 2023, Chase said to Devin McCourty of NBC Sports, “Hey, if we could do that, I’m with it.” “I’m not a self-centered player. It doesn’t bother me. I may need to accept a [pay] reduction. I’m not a self-centered player, but he could have to take a cut as well. Re-observing that would be enjoyable.
It is unclear when Jefferson will become available. Notwithstanding the persistent trade speculations, Jefferson is in contract negotiations with the Vikings.
Justin Jefferson Wants to be Paid Historically Big
With the Vikings, Jefferson has a four-year contract worth $13.12 million, with a $19.74 million fifth-year option that becomes available in 2024. Jefferson, one of the league’s best receivers, is requesting a record large new contract.
In February, Jefferson told NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah via ESPN, “I’m definitely aware of what I’ve been doing for the organization, what I’ve done ever since I stepped foot on this NFL field.”
Jefferson went on, “I’m going to do what’s right and get the amount that makes me feel valued.” “I will definitely keep in mind my current position as a player and receiver, as well as the various stats.”
Jefferson continued, “I’m going to let the agent and all of that handle all of the different negotiations and the different figures.”However, I sincerely aim to rank among the highest-paid athletes, particularly among receivers.
In his limited NFL career, Jefferson has excelled as a three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Throughout his career, he has 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Jefferson would be difficult for Cincinnati to trade for given the $45.9 million in salary cap space. Spotrac estimates Jefferson will receive $32 million a year or $128 million over four years.
Bengals Have Reason to Dream
The Bengals, however, have excellent cause to dream of Chase. Together, Jefferson, Chase, and Burrow led LSU to an offensive powerhouse in 2019 that averaged 48.4 points per game.
Chase finished with 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, while Jefferson had 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. Burrow outperformed in passing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns against six interceptions as route to winning the Heisman Trophy. With a monster rating of 202.0, 76.8% of his passes were completed.
Since then, all three have succeeded in the NFL. In his first four seasons, Burrow completed 68% of his throws for 14,083 yards and 97 touchdowns against 37 interceptions. In three seasons, Chase has 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Burrow and Chase have advanced to two AFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl, in contrast to Jefferson. Despite not having won in the playoffs yet, Jefferson may change that by teaming up with his former LSU colleagues.
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