The Minnesota Vikings start their voluntary offseason workout program today, April 15, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. One player who is not in attendance is superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, who is still waiting out a long-term contract extension offer he’s willing to sign off on.
It’s already been reported that JJ and the Vikings plan to sit back down at the negotiating table, after they land their quarterback of the future next week, in the 2024 NFL Draft. But until he puts ink to paper, we shouldn’t expect to see Jefferson at any Vikings-related activities, especially anything voluntary.
Don’t expect Justin Jefferson at Minnesota Vikings offseason workouts w/o new deal
Jefferson didn’t show for offseason activities last offseason, either, as he waited for the same contract extension one year ago. Back then, his contract situation was far less tense and unforgiving than it is this offseason. Forget offseason activities, I’m questioning if JJ will show up at all…. like, ever agin, until he gets a new deal.
Albert Breer (MMQB) mentioned early on Monday that Justin Jefferson was unlikely to participate in the voluntary workouts today. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed during his early afternoon press conference that JJ, in fact, was not present at TCO Performance Center today.
Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson skipped last year’s offseason program, so it’s hard to imagine he’ll be there this year without an extension.
Albert Breer – MMQB (SI)
Call it bad timing, or whatever, but around the same time that Breer’s latest report dropped, the Philadelphia Eagles announced a new contract for wide receiver DeVonte Smith that includes over $50 million guaranteed.
Without a doubt, the talks that take place post-draft have to end in a contract extension or all those Justin Jefferson trade rumors that none of us believe… are going to suddenly feel far more believable.
But again, assuming the Vikings do draft their QB of the future in 10 days, do they really want that rookie to not have JJ at his disposal? That wouldn’t make much sense… but, everyone has their number.
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