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Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Odofo-Mensah defiantly denied the notion on Tuesday that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson could be traded this offseason.
Odofo-Mensah added that the two parties nearly agreed on a contract extension last summer and working out a long-term deal with Jefferson is “by far” the team’s top priority.
It was reported in mid-February that the 24-year-old wouldn’t re-sign with the team until they have a quarterback plan. Longtime Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins has been the group’s starter since Jefferson entered the league in 2020 but he will be a free agent in March.
Cousins is also recovering from a season-ending torn Achilles that he suffered in Week 8 last October.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky theorized earlier this month that Minnesota would have to choose between re-signing Cousins or locking up Jefferson.
Whenever the former LSU star does agree to a new deal, he’s expected to surpass Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill’s four-year, $120M contract for the largest ever given to a receiver.
Despite missing seven games last season due to a hamstring injury, Jefferson posted over 1,000 receiving yards (1,074) for the fourth straight year to begin his career on 68 catches and five touchdowns.
Jefferson made three straight Pro Bowls before his injury-riddled 2023 season and won the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year award as well. He led the NFL in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) during his award-winning campaign.
Jefferson has racked up 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in his 60-game career. His receiving yards are second-most since 2020, while his catch total is sixth.
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