The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings had an intriguing 2023 season. The Vikings had championship ambitions when the season began, but multiple injuries wrecked their season. The Packers surprised everyone by not only entering the playoffs in 2023, but also progressing to the Divisional Round.
As clubs prepare for the 2024 season, the Vikings may be forced to move on from their best player.
The Green Bay Packers may not have to face Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson twice per season.
Andrew Holleran addressed what exactly is happening in Minnesota:
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to want to re-sign Kirk Cousins in free agency, but will Justin Jefferson remain with the team going forward?
Minnesota is allegedly considering a blockbuster trade offer for Jefferson, who is likely to negotiate a historic wide receiver contract extension.
There is allegedly rising “steam” that Jefferson could be dealt in a major deal.
According to Pro Football Talk, Jefferson’s contract demands increased on Friday:
The Vikings likely wished they had signed receiver Justin Jefferson to a second deal before Friday. It’s unclear whether they ever will.
The one fundamental truth about giving one of your own great players the deal he deserves is that waiting always results in a higher price. Always. As of Friday, with the salary cap increasing to $255.4 million per team, Jefferson’s price has risen even further.
However, the Vikings may not be the team to pay Jefferson’s record-setting salary.
It will be intriguing to watch where Jefferson ends up this offseason, especially if he gets traded.
Packers fans don’t mind not seeing Jefferson twice a year.
In his seven career games versus the Packers, Justin Jefferson has 34 catches for 537 yards and four touchdowns.
While those aren’t particularly impressive figures, he has the ability to take over a game on any given Sunday. The Packers have only given up more than 100 yards in a game to Jefferson twice (2021 and 2022).
Minnesota would receive a large return on a receiver like Jefferson. It may even provide them with the necessary firepower to move up in the draft and select their next quarterback.
