Vikings icon explains why team needs to break the bank for Justin Jefferson

"[Jefferson] could push for [$40M per season]," host Kay Adams said.

"Give it to him," the former five-time Pro Bowl defensive end said.

"Why?" Adams asked.

"He changes the game. He opens up your run game. He gives you the ability to score anytime, anywhere. He is a quarterback's best friend, so if [J.J.] McCarthy's gonna be your franchise quarterback, you cannot let [Jefferson] go. You can't," Allen said. "He is already so special. ... Playing against guys that have been those game-changers, you know, playing against the [Calvin Johnsons] of the world where you have to bracket, you got to put two [defenders] on him. So even if he doesn't have a game where he has 200 yards or 150 or whatever it is, the fact that you have to acquire two people to him all the time just makes it harder to play defense and makes it easier to play offense."

Jefferson would seem to be one of the next star wide receivers in line for a massive contract extension. Amon-Ra St. Brown and the duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have already cashed in to stay with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, respectively.

Despite persistent trade rumors surrounding Jefferson in recent months, Minnesota has not indicated that they intend to move the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year. The three-time Pro Bowler is entering his fifth season in the fall and has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards and five touchdowns in each season of his career.

Jefferson posted 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns last season despite missing seven games due to a hamstring injury. His 5,899 career receiving yards are second-most since 2020, while his 392 catches are sixth.