The Minnesota Vikings “have no plans to trade” wide receiver Justin Jefferson, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis.
With quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly agreeing to a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, some fans will have started to wonder whether the team would rethink its approach to Jefferson, who’s entering the final year of his rookie contract.
It’s more than just the fact that the Vikings lost the QB who had been their starter for six years; they never had much of a contingency plan in the event Cousins signed elsewhere.
Minnesota is reportedly signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal, a pivot that isn’t exactly inspiring confidence. Darnold had forgettable spells with the New York Jets and Carolina before backing up Brock Purdy on the San Francisco 49ers. The ship has in all likelihood sailed on the 26-year-old turning a cornerstone.
If you’re Jefferson, the idea of playing for the Vikings is a little less enticing right now than it was before free agency. He was open in the past about how much he wanted to continue playing alongside Cousins.
From Minnesota’s perspective, this would be a good time to cash in on the three-time Pro Bowler’s trade value as well. You’re facing a transition year, and flipping him for a valuable draft pick or two could help lay the foundation for the future.
But trading Jefferson in the same offseason Cousins walked as a free agent would burn a lot of goodwill with the fanbase. Announcing an extension would be a sign from the front office and ownership they don’t intend to tread water for very long.
