NFL Rumors: Insiders Question Justin Jefferson's Future Contract amid Vikings QB Plan

Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is eligible for a contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, but his deal reportedly could have a ripple effect on the team's future decisions.

"The length of Jefferson's deal would correlate with more than his next bite at the financial apple," ESPN's Kevin Seifert stated. "It would also connect with the one issue that sources around the league say could bog down these negotiations: The Vikings' plan at quarterback for the timeframe of Jefferson's contract."

The Vikings are committed to Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback for 2023, but his contract is set to expire next spring. The 35-year-old will count for a $36.3 million cap hit this year.

At 23 years old, Jefferson is already one of the best players in his position. He's coming off a 2022 season in which he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro after leading the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards while also adding eight touchdowns.

During the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Minnesota's leadership contingent made it clear that the team wants Jefferson in the fold for years to come.

"I don't want to be the Vikings GM without this guy on our team," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said of Jefferson, later adding, "When you have guys like that in your building, [you] try everything you can to not let them out."

Jefferson is expected to receive a deal that exceeds the $30 million annual value wideout Tyreek Hill received upon being acquired by the Miami Dolphins from the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason. However, Seifert pointed out that "the more difficult part of the talks would be the length," as the youngster would become eligible for a second big-money payday at a time when most players are still on their first.

The Vikings do have the option of picking up Jefferson's fifth-year option, which would give them extra time to negotiate an extension for him. The option would pay him $19.7 million for the 2024 season, and the team could utilize the franchise tag in subsequent years to keep him around.

However, it could be best to keep Jefferson happy, as it sounds like he wants to play where he's valued.

"I mean, I will be wherever I'm wanted," he said in January when asked if he wanted to stay in Minnesota. "If they want me here, I'm here. That's not something that I can really control."