A busy offseason is coming up in Minnesota. The Vikings have two important personnel details to clarify. On the one hand, there are discussions about the quarterback position, and on the other hand, the future of wide receiver Justin Jefferson needs to be clarified. The Vikings would of course like to keep him, but apparently not at any price.
As Mike Florio from “ProFootballTalk” reports, the Vikings are hesitant to give their superstar a contract with full guarantees. “It’s not about the dollars, it’s about the structure. They don’t want to guarantee anyone full money on a contract beyond the first year, except at the quarterback position,” said the NFL insider.
“Exceptions must be made, particularly regarding the team’s ‘rule’ that full guarantees only apply to the year in which the contract is signed,” Florio wrote. “They made this exception for quarterback Kirk Cousins. If they want to keep Jefferson – and if they want to keep him happy – they have to make this exception for him too,” the NFL expert is sure.
“You’re playing with fire here on multiple fronts with Justin Jefferson, whose patience will eventually run out. I can say with certainty that JJ is very patient, but his patience will have its limits,” Florio commented.
NFL: Jefferson wants clarity at the quarterback position
The NFL insider is probably right, especially if you can believe the words of “ESPN” reporter Tom Pelissero. He reports that Jefferson wants to take his time. Above all, the wide receiver wants to wait and see what the Vikings are planning at the quarterback position before committing to the team long-term.
The Vikings are currently without an elite quarterback. Kirk Cousins’ contract is expiring, so he will become a free agent in a few weeks. Both the Vikings and Cousins have indicated that they would like to continue working together, but Cousins is one of the hottest prospects in free agency and will have his market.
Among other things, the Atlanta Falcons are being brought into play as a possible contact point for the veteran.