In 2024, may the NFL’s top wide receiver be playing for a different team?
The NFL’s top pass-catcher by a wide margin is Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, but might his current team trade him to a different team in 2024? The Vikings may be due for a little overhaul since a large portion of their core is either getting older or becomes a free agent this offseason. While the Vikings do have some young potential, players like Harrison Smith, Dalton Risner, Danielle Hunter, Kirk Cousins, and others are either unrestricted free agents or obviously not in the team’s long-term plans.
Jordan Addison was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s a little odd to select a first-round wide receiver with Justin Jefferson already on the team, as Jefferson just concluded his season.
“After more than a year, it seems like the Vikings may have a serious problem with Jefferson’s circumstances. Many had anticipated that following talks during the offseason, Jefferson’s contract would be finalised prior to the 2023 regular season start versus Tampa Bay.
That did not occur, leaving one to wonder what had malfunctioned. The Vikings, led by Zygi and Mark Wilf, have demonstrated a willingness to spend big, and Jefferson was in a position to demand a big contract when his rookie deal’s five year option expired in 2024.
The fact that Jefferson and the Vikings have not reached a long-term agreement to extend their contract is absolutely not insignificant. And following their third season, which is the first year they become eligible, players at or near the top of their positions frequently obtain a contract extension in the NFL. Despite the fact that Jefferson hasn’t signed a long-term contract with them, there is a case to be made for dealing Jettas given the other players on the Vikings roster.
There isn’t a franchise quarterback on the club in the building. They’ll also require some youthful pass-rush assistance. They also have a bell-cow running back, another piece in the secondary, and reinforcements along the interior of their offensive line on their roster.
After an outstanding rookie campaign, Jordan Addison seems to be a legitimate wide receiver in the NFL. Arguably the best receiving tight end in the NFL, TJ Hockenson is among the top tight ends. Christian Darrisaw is another outstanding left tackle on the Vikings. For a rookie quarterback, the three make for a pretty potent offensive core.
Consider for a moment how much the team might be able to acquire in a deal for Jefferson. Could the Arizona Cardinals, who have a franchise quarterback already and will choose fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, part with both of their first-round picks for Jefferson? In that case, the Vikings’ picks would be 4, 11, and 27. Additionally, they wouldn’t have to worry about offering Justin Jefferson a contract that resets the market, which translates into significant cap savings. With plenty of resources, the Vikings might use the draft board to select a franchise quarterback.
Assuming they could utilise one of their three first-round selections for a rookie signal-caller, they would also probably have up to two more first-rounders to locate more key players. I can’t help but feel that this summer, the Minnesota Vikings dealing Justin Jefferson is a possibility.
