A Justin Jefferson trade? In this economy? No way, say the Minnesota Vikings. The All-Pro wide receiver has quickly become one of the best in the league. But don’t expect him to wear any other colors any time soon.
While the rumor mill span, it doesn’t sound like the Vikings are interested in even offering him up. Nor should they really, as he’s one of the best players in the league. Vikings general manager Kwesie Adofo-Mensah addressed the concerns at Tuesday’s 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“That’s not something that’s once crossed my mind,” Adofo-Mensah said via NFL.com of potentially trading or even discussing a trade. “You got a blue(chip) player, a blue(chip) person. You try to keep as many of those as you can.”
After the Vikings selected Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft, he’s done nothing but produce. Since joining Minnesota, Jefferson’s recorded 392 receptions, 5,899 yards, and 30 receiving touchdowns.
More from Adofo-Mensah, who made sure to be extremely complimentary of his star player:
“We’ve said it, and we’ll continue to say it: We think he’s the best wide receiver in the league and should be compensated as such,” he said via NFL.com. “We think he’s one of the best non-quarterbacks in the league and should be compensated as such. We’ll continue to have those dialogues and those conversations.”
So, that was a pretty strong rebuff. It was for all to see, too, so any breakdowns from here on out would be fascinating. It doesn’t seem very likely, though, that Minnesota would let Jefferson go through a trade. Stranger things have happened, but this one seems like a longshot.
The NFL world reacted to the news.
I understand Kwesi's need to profess absolute faith in keeping JJ, but if this was actually true it would mean Kwesi's mild is way too closed to be a good decision maker, and I think we already have evidence that isn't the case. https://t.co/AysrZacVC6
— Jonathan 🔥 (@JonathanNFL_) February 27, 2024
So we can’t get JJ and 2 firsts for pick 3? 😲 https://t.co/boTMygoNE4
— ryan (@thisryanjackson) February 27, 2024
This should give Jefferson the leverage to get $35m per year from the Vikings https://t.co/ouLXSLj3yX
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 27, 2024
Jefferson’s agents at CAA Sports seeing this https://t.co/2NBr4z0U4W pic.twitter.com/ZiH7dVljsw
— Neer Ray (@NeerRayNFL) February 27, 2024
[NFL.com]
