The expectation was that all-world wide receiver Justin Jefferson would receive a contract extension from the Minnesota Vikings last spring or summer after he became eligible to sign a second deal in the NFL.
Jefferson had proven in his first three seasons that he deserved to be among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks.
He led the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) to earn the league’s Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022, and had established the NFL mark for receptions (324) and yards (4,825) in the first three years of a career. He also did not miss a game.
But while there were many discussions between Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Jefferson’s representatives, a deal didn’t get done.
Jefferson didn’t pout or express frustration. He took part in all of training camp, was elected a team captain and did everything asked of him in what became a disappointing season for both the team and himself.
So how will Jefferson’s contract situation likely play out this time around? Let’s take a closer look.