Minnesota Vikings: JJ McCarthy Era Off to Rough Start as Star Wide Receiver Absent

Jefferson, eligible for a contract extension this offseason, has been absent from the Vikings’ voluntary offseason program and now the start of Organized Team Activities, in search of a new long-term contract.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Vikings and Jefferson are engaged in negotiations, behind the scenes, even as the receiver stays away from the team’s workouts.

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson’s Market Value

Jefferson has developed into one of the most prolific receivers in the sport.

Through his first four seasons, Jefferson has the most receiving yards all-time through this point in his career with 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.

While the Vikings chose Jordan Addison in the first round of the 2023 draft, it’s hard to imagine Minnesota not signing Jefferson to a long-term pact to keep an explosive collection of skill players around a first-round quarterback.

Jefferson’s price is likely rising exponentially after the Detroit Lions signed Amon-Ra St. Brown to a colossal four-year deal worth $120 million, followed up by the Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown resetting the receiver market with a three-year contract extension worth $96 million including $84 million guaranteed.

Expect Jefferson to eventually break the bank.

According to Spotrac, Jefferson’s market value is approximately $32.5 million, annually, and he could fetch a deal worth upwards of $129.97 million, which would not only make him the highest-paid receiver but also the 18th-highest pad player in the league.

Whether Jefferson’s next deal comes with the Vikings, or elsewhere, remains to be seen. But, according to Schefter, there is interest on both sides to reach a long-term pact eventually.