Justin Jefferson claims he ‘doesn’t care’ about his contract anymore and just wants to win following team’s shocking loss to the Bucs
Jefferson claims that he deserves a big paycheck because of the number he has put up but he will wait until the Vikings decide to agree to his terms.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium (Image via IMAGO)
Despite another great showing from Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings lost 20-17 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their 2023 season opener amidst his stalled contract talks. But the wide receiver claimed that the experience would not change his approach to the game.
Jefferson caught eight passes for 150 yards, proving that he deserves to get a big paycheck. Currently, he earns around $2.4 million a year. Considering his output since the draft, it’s astonishing that the Vikings haven’t made up their minds yet. In addition to winning honors for All-Pro and NFL Offensive Player of the Year, he was the leader in receiving yards (4,825) during that time.
The deadline to negotiate an extension was before the Vikings’ next game against the Buccaneers. However, they have come to an impasse, and yet Jefferson remains committed to his duties.
“I have the same mindset as before,” he said, as per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. “All I can do is play football. My team doesn’t care about the contract, and I don’t either. I play for my teammates.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell remains optimistic about a new deal. However, he remained tight-lipped as to when they would announce the good news about Justin Jefferson staying in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.
“I support him 100 percent,” O’Connell said. “We would have loved to get something done with Justin.”
Are the Minnesota Vikings looking to trade Justin Jefferson?
It won’t be surprising to see the Vikings release Jefferson if they don’t come to an agreement soon enough. They have a history of letting star receivers leave at the peak of their powers. Players such as Randy Moss, Percy Harvin, and Stefon Diggs were all in similar situations back in the day.
This happens because of the Minnesota franchise guarantee structure. They refuse to guarantee anything one year before a player’s contract runs out. The only exception is current quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Justin Jefferson believes that he deserves similar treatment. To prove his point, the 24-year-old set another record against the Buccaneers. On Sunday, he became one of the few who had completed 150 yards in nine consecutive NFL games. All the others on the list are Pro Football Hall of Famers. That’s why he reminded everyone that “his situation is different” from others.
Then the question arises: Why the hold-up? As per Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio, the Vikings could let Jefferson’s contract run its course and then franchise tag him for one year (rarely done to star players, but it’s in the realm of possibility). After that, they will trade him for a new franchise quarterback. If first-year receiver Jordan Addison turns out to be a good draft pick, then he will take Jefferson’s place.
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Ishan Misra
(3111 Articles Published)