The Minnesota Vikings may want to interrupt considered one of their very own guidelines so as to grasp on to star huge receiver Justin Jefferson.
Mike Florio of Professional Soccer Discuss has reported the Vikings have a staff rule through which they don’t assure cash in a long-term contract past the primary season.
In an look on KFAN radio in Minneapolis with Vikings announcer Paul Allen, Florio talked about that the Vikings will possible wrestle to maintain Jefferson except they compromise on that rule.
They’ve solely made an exception for that rule as soon as earlier than, in response to Florio, doing so for quarterback Kirk Cousins.
“I can confidently say that JJ may be very affected person, however his endurance could have its limits,” Florio stated. “The issue continues to be not the {dollars}, however the construction. The Vikings are one of many few groups that won’t absolutely assure past the primary yr of the contract for anybody aside from Kirk Cousins.
“In the event you’re not gonna make that very same exception for Justin Jefferson, you’re gonna have an issue with Justin Jefferson finally.”
If that’s the barrier the Vikings are going through in holding Jefferson long run, it could make sense for them to compromise on this rule.
The Vikings offense would possible endure with out the 2022 Offensive Participant of the 12 months, who hauled in 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns that season.
This previous season, his whole numbers declined as a result of he missed seven video games as a consequence of damage. He nonetheless had a 1,000-yard receiving season and averaged 15.8 yards per reception, which was up from 2022.
One other report from NFL.com recommended that Jefferson desires readability on the Vikings quarterback state of affairs earlier than he indicators a contract extension.
Cousins is a free agent this offseason and the Vikings don’t have a younger quarterback prepared to interchange the veteran ought to he select to depart.
Jefferson is a big Kirk Cousins supporter and it’s clear to see why.
The huge receiver has made the Professional Bowl in every of his three seasons with Cousins throwing him the ball.
The Vikings personal the No. 11 decide within the upcoming draft, placing them in place to probably transfer up for a quarterback or maybe take one from the second group of sign callers.