Report: Justin Jefferson off the table in any potential trade for Minnesota

Justin Jefferson, who many consider to be the best wide receiver in the NFL, is not being considered as a trade chip for the Minnesota Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis. Jefferson is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2024.

And while Jefferson and the Vikings continue to hammer out a long term deal — one that could set a new high water mark for non-quarterback pay in the NFL — the franchise remains committed to keeping the superstar. This hasn’t changed with the recent departure of Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, either.

Reporting this nugget, Russini also added that Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah “aggressively” rejected the notion of a Jefferson trade at the 2024 NFL Combine.

Russini shared that the two sides were apparently close to getting an extension inked last offseason, too.

Jefferson has gone over 1000 receiving yards each of the first four seasons of his career, including leading the league in receptions and receiving yards in 2022 with 128 catches for 1809 yards. He earned offensive player of the year honors for his campaign, as well as first team all pro.

And in 2023, Jefferson managed to eclipse the 1000-yard threshold despite playing in 10 games due to injury. It’s the first season he failed to play a full slate of games during his career.

Jefferson wants to ‘break the bank’ with an extension

didn’t have that eye-popping season he wanted last fall. Blame it on a significant hamstring strain and a quarterback carousel.

But that doesn’t mean the former LSU standout wants any less money. While he didn’t direct where the decimal point should go, he talked about a check with lots of numbers.

“I want to break the bank, and I want to be a part of an organization that wants me and to really give me what I deserve,” Jefferson said in an interview with Mad Dog Sports Radio.”I feel like eventually the Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building, but I don’t really know at this very moment. Only time will tell.”

There is speculation that Jefferson would like the Vikings — or a new team — to pay him more than any other non-quarterback in the NFL. Right now, 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa is the highest-paid non-quarterback. After sitting out training camp in 2023, Bosa signed a five-year contract worth $170 million. That gave him an average salary of $34 million.

Bosa surpassed Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald on the list. Donald makes $31.6 million a year. He’s a free agent in 2025.

Jefferson certainly would love the Vikings to make him the richest receiver in the NFL. Tyreek Hill currently owns that distinction. When Hill switched from the Chiefs to the Dolphins, his contract blossomed to $28.25 million a year. Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt and Raiders receiver Davante Adams fill out the top five. Each makes roughly $28 million a season.