It does not appear that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is concerned that wide receiver Justin Jefferson has failed to sign what is expected to be a large contract deal.
“I know everything’s going to get worked out there,” O’Connell remarked of the situation during a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” program, according to Kevin Patra of the NFL website. “Justin is aware of my affection and appreciation for him, and he understands how important he is to what we do around here. That’s on the field and off the field; (he) gives such a positive energy to our building every day. And he is the ultimate competitor when it comes to stepping between the white lines.”
Jefferson was the target of trade rumors both before and after quarterback Kirk Cousins joined with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. While Minnesota reportedly considered moving up from the 11th choice in this year’s draft to the No. 3 slot to grab North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, there is no evidence that the Vikings offered Jefferson’s name in discussions with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots eventually hung onto their third-round pick and selected Maye. Meanwhile, Minnesota moved up one position in the draft order to choose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Jefferson is in the final year of his rookie contract and may become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback if he signs an extension before the start of the next season. O’Connell stated that Jefferson will remain a part of the club’s offensive for the foreseeable future.
“Very few people can do what he can do, but it’s how he goes about his business, how he works, and how he pushes his teammates to improve,” O’Connell said of his top playmaker while speaking with show host Kay Adams. “Justin Jefferson is a huge part of this organization.”
O’Connell and his squad are hoping that Jefferson will accept the role of assisting McCarthy’s development even if the rookie is not selected the team’s Week 1 starter. Patra stated on Wednesday that “big-time deals in the NFL generally come to fruition closer to training camp in July,” so Minnesota fans have no reason to be concerned about Jefferson’s situation with the team as Memorial Day nears.
