Vikings WR Justin Jefferson reportedly skips start of voluntary OTAs amid contract talks

Justin Jefferson was absent from Minnesota Vikings facilities on Monday amid contract negotiations and the start of voluntary offseason organized activities, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

The All-Pro receiver also missed voluntary offseason programs in 2023 while seeking a new deal. He reported to mandatory minicamp in June last year and played last season without coming to terms on an extension.

Assuming Jefferson misses the rest of this month’s voluntary programs, the focus around his negotiations will shift to Minnesota’s mandatory minicamp that runs from June 4-6. Will the two sides reach deal before minicamp? If not, would he report this season without an extension in hand?

Jefferson seeking lucrative long-term extension

Jefferson is approaching the last year of his five-year rookie contract and is due $19.7 million in 2024 on the fifth-year option exercised by the Vikings. He’s earned $13.3 million on the previous four years of his contract.

A three-time All-Pro and the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Jefferson has emerged as arguably the best receiver in football in his four seasons. He’s significantly outplayed his rookie contract since being selected with the 22nd pick by the Vikings in the 2020 draft and is due one of the richest non-quarterback contracts in the league.

Will Justin Jefferson and the Vikings reach terms on a contract extension? (Jeffrey Becker/Reuters)

QB uncertainty, A.J. Brown deal increase stakes

Adding to the intrigue around his negotiations is newfound uncertainty at quarterback in Minnesota. Kirk Cousins left in the offseason to join the Atlanta Falcons after six seasons with the Vikings. Minnesota traded up to draft Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in April’s draft. He’ll compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job in the fall and is the presumed quarterback of the future in Minnesota.

Darnold’s been relegated to NFL backup status after disappointing as the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft. McCarthy’s viability as an NFL starter is…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-05-20 20:28:25

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