Minnesota Vikings Playing with Fire in Justin Jefferson Contract Negotiations
The Minnesota Vikings are risking the patience of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson by refusing to offer him the same guarantees they gave to quarterback Kirk Cousins. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio raised concerns about the Vikings’ negotiation tactics during an appearance on KFAN with Vikings announcer Paul Allen.
Florio commended Jefferson for his patience in ongoing talks with the team but warned that it has its limits. The issue, according to Florio, is not the dollar amount but the structure of the contract. The Vikings have a policy of not fully guaranteeing money beyond the first year for anyone other than Cousins. Florio believes this could become a problem with Jefferson in the future.
Florio emphasized that the Vikings’ guarantee policy comes from the top and urged ownership to reconsider. He called on fans to hold ownership accountable and make an exception for Jefferson, who has the potential to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
While Jefferson’s contract amount is important, securing a deal with the most guarantees may take precedence. In contrast, Cousins has enjoyed three fully guaranteed contracts in his six years with the Vikings and is seeking the same this offseason, whether with the team or elsewhere.
Justin Jefferson’s contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings is still being worked out after negotiations hit a snag before the 2023 season opener. However, the key factor in finalizing the deal seems to be the quarterback situation for the team. Jefferson is a fan of Kirk Cousins and wants to know the quarterback plan before committing to a long-term contract. While he supports the Vikings’ decision to bring Cousins back, it’s not a dealbreaker for him. Regardless of who is throwing him the ball, Jefferson is confident that he will continue to perform at a high level.
As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, Cousins’ representation is looking to assess his market value by meeting with teams in Indianapolis. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a potential landing spot for Cousins. The Steelers are more inclined to invest in a veteran quarterback this offseason rather than taking a chance on a rookie. Florio has heard from sources close to Cousins’ camp that there is interest in the possibility of him joining the Steelers. The Falcons are also a team that the Cousins camp is keeping an eye on.
In conclusion, the details of Justin Jefferson’s contract extension are still being negotiated, but the quarterback situation is a crucial factor for him. Kirk Cousins is favored by Jefferson, but it’s not a requirement for him to re-sign with the Vikings. As for Cousins, his camp is exploring potential options, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons being of interest. The next few weeks will provide more clarity on both players’ futures.
According to the Source heavy.com