Uncertain Forecast by NFL Analyst About Justin Jefferson’s Prospects with the Team

The Minnesota Vikings are in a position that is not enviable by any other NFL team. They do not have a bonified starting quarterback under contract for next season, and the ones they do have played poorly last season. Kirk Cousins is a free agent and wants to return to Minnesota, but he will be expensive, even coming off of an Achilles tear.

Even if the Vikings do not re-sign Cousins, he will count for $28.5 million against their 2024 salary cap thanks to a void year that was added to his contract. Re-signing him could lower this number in 2024, but would make future spending difficult.

The reality of the situation is that the Vikings have more needs than they can afford to address. As complicated as the situation is, it is even more dire with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson entering his fifth year in the NFL. Of course, he is playing on his fifth year option this upcoming season, but extending him beyond 2024 is going to be difficult.

So difficult, in fact, that many around the league believe Minnesota may be forced to trade him.

Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson Will Fetch More than $30 Million per Season

When discussing what Jefferson would be able to get in free agency, one must look at the contracts of Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins and Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. Hill is playing on a four-year deal that pays him $120 million ($30 million annually) with $72.2 million guaranteed. Adams is playing on a five-year $140 million deal ($28 million annually) with $65.7 million guaranteed.