Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson could reset the market for non-quarterbacks with his next contract. There is some uncertainty about his future without a deal or known progress in their talks, though.
The Vikings can let Jefferson play out his rookie contract on a fifth-year option and then apply the franchise tag, with two more tags possible after that.
At some point, though, there needs to be a long-term decision made.
The Vikings and Jefferson have spoken about getting something long-term done. But trade speculation follows situations like this, and Jefferson is no different. His offseason workout habits are the latest action to spark a new round of trade chatter.
Mo Wells of Sports Academy posted a clip on Instagram of Jefferson and Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase working out together on April 3.
It certainly raised a few eyebrows on social media.
Ja’Marr Chase training with Justin Jefferson👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/OF6wspLS0B
— Enter the Jungle Show (@CinBengalsTalk) April 3, 2024
Former Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert fueled a previous round of speculation, posting a picture on X on March 12 of a betting slip with Cincinnati’s Super Bowl odds with the caption, “Sources telling me Jefferson to Cincy is in motion.”
Jefferson, 24, is off to a historic start to his career with four 1,000-yard seasons and four Pro Bowls among several other accomplishments.
He would fetch a ransom if the Vikings made him available in a trade.
But this is not the first time Jefferson and Chase, college teammates at LSU, have worked out in the offseason. The two stud pass catchers are friends and have even appeared in the same ad for a mattress company.
Justin Jefferson Urged to Seek Trade Over Sam Darnold, Vikings’ QB Situation
“I’m rooting for Justin Jefferson to get out of there get up on out of there. They don’t know what they’re doing.”
Not everyone is against Darnold, especially in the Vikings’ system.