Justin Jefferson’s trade was officially made public by the general manager of the Vikings.

Theoretically, a trade is still possible because the Vikings have decided not to extend the contract of receiver Justin Jefferson and because the salary cap for 2024 has increased significantly, making it more expensive than it would have been before everyone learned that it would jump to $255.4 million per team.

Now is the time if the Vikings are going to deal Jefferson for draft capital that would enable them to, say, move up from No. 11 in an attempt to acquire their first legitimate multi-year franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton. The Scouting Combine is taking place in Indianapolis, and the whole league is there. This is the time to do business, if any has to be done.

Indeed, deals

This gem was buried by St. Paul Pioneer Press writer Charley Walters in a long, catch-all story on Sunday: “In the meantime, rumors are still circulating that the Vikings might trade Justin Jefferson.”

Where the “steam” is coming from is unknown to us. The situation implies that a transaction could be made in the interim until a long-term agreement is reached. Before the 2023 campaign got underway, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement. We understand the Vikings think they gave Jefferson a better-than-average offer. Clearly, Jefferson does not hold that opinion.

He is justified in wanting more now, whatever he desired back then. The Vikings are faced with a situation similar to what the Chiefs did with Tyreek Hill two years prior. Is it appropriate to turn Jefferson around now?

Is it possible? If the plan is to acquire enough so that Jefferson can advance and acquire a top quarterback, now is the time to do it.

How will the supporters react if it does happen? To get outstanding players is the main goal of the draft. 2020: The Vikings received one. Giving up on a proven player in the hopes of locating a quarterback who could (or might not) be the key to ending the team’s 48-year Super Bowl drought is a highly risky move.

Perhaps it should appeal to the fans? After all, they’ve had some excellent receivers throughout the years, including Stefon Diggs, Percy Harvin, Randy Moss, and Cris Carter. And the Vikings were not able to return to