Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is on strike, and the three-time Pro Bowler may seek a trade if he does not receive the compensation he believes he is entitled to. Jefferson, a first-round prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, has swiftly established himself as one of the top players at his position. Since entering the league, the wide receiver has 392 catches for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns, catching passes largely from Kirk Cousins. Injuries limited him to 10 games last year, but despite his extended absence and the availability of quarterbacks Nick Mullens, Josh Dobbs, and Jarren Hall, the LSU product surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau.
With Cousins in Atlanta and a rookie quarterback on the way, Justin Jefferson’s holdout should have an immediate impact. The former All-Pro skipped offseason training in April and did not attend the first day of OTAs.
Justin Jefferson Continues Holdout, Could Seek Trade
The Justin Jefferson holdout is likely to conclude with a big, record-setting deal. With Cousins and his deal off the books, the LSU product has emerged as the franchise’s face and an outstanding core player at one of the game’s most crucial positions. Jefferson’s presence should also assist rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy adjust to life in the NFL. In recent years, players like as Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and A.J. Brown have helped Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jalen Hurts become franchise quarterbacks, and Jefferson has the potential to do the same for McCarthy.
Justin Jefferson will break the bank, and if he does not stop his holdout with the Vikings, another team will gladly exchange a first-round choice or two for the wide receiver’s talents. The LSU product, who is entering his age-25 season, should have at least 5-7 more years of great performance in him, and any team may benefit from having him on their roster. These five teams should be interested in a trade, whether it is to add him as the last piece to a Super Bowl contender or to assist a rookie quarterback develop.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers released Mike Williams and Keenan Allen not because Jim Harbaugh dislikes wide receivers, but because their hefty wages did not reflect their projected worth to the offense. Los Angeles selected three wide receivers in the NFL Draft, indicating that the organization recognizes the need for extra skill to back Justin Herbert. The chances of all three players signing are minimal to none, therefore Los Angeles should consider dealing for Justin Jefferson and ending his holdout. This will not be a cheap trade, but it will provide the Chargers with enough firepower to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Carolina Panthers
Even if they trade for Justin Jefferson, the Panthers will not win the Super Bowl this season, but ending his holdout may be the greatest way to evaluate what Bryce Young is capable of in the NFL. The Alabama product is coming off a statistical nightmare of a rookie season, but the Panthers did not provide him with the necessary tools to thrive. While Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette will contribute, Carolina could need a superstar like Jefferson. As previously stated, seasoned receivers have helped turn borderline starters into franchise quarterbacks, and the three-time Pro Bowler may be able to do the same for Young.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have the talent to make a deep postseason run, but they need to locate the missing piece of their Super Bowl puzzle. Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP, but that hasn’t been enough to help this team advance past the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. Baltimore is in a salary cap bind, so they’d have to get inventive to pay Justin Jefferson and end his holdout. However, if they can make the money aspect work, this offense may be
New England Patriots
The Patriots have hope for the future in quarterback Drake Maye. However, if they want the North Carolina product to succeed, they must do something to help him. New England has probably the league’s weakest bunch of wide receivers, and while Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker show promise, the team could use a proven commodity at the position. With almost $50 million in cap space, New England can easily afford to end Justin Jefferson’s holdout with a record-setting contract.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs enter the 2024 season hoping to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. With Rashee Rice being an idiot, Kansas City might use another set of hands if they want to achieve their aim. Travis Kelce, Marquise Brown, and Xavier Worthy are a fearsome trio, but each player has their own set of questions. Justin Jefferson is as close to a must-have option as you can get, and he and Mahomes have the potential to torment the league for the next decade.
