Vikings GM: Justin Jefferson Should Be NFL's Top-Paid WR; Trade Won't Be Considered

Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson is entering the final year of his contract, but the team has no plans of letting him go anywhere.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah told reporters on Tuesday that he believes Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL and he "should be compensated as such."

When asked if trading Jefferson is an option, Adofo-Mensah replied, "That is not something that's once crossed my mind. You got a blue[-chip] player, a blue[-chip] person, you try to keep as many of those as you can."

Despite being limited to 10 games in 2023 due to hamstring and chest injuries, Jefferson still recorded his fourth-straight 1,000-yard season with 1,074 yards and five touchdowns on 68 receptions. His 5,899 career receiving yards are the most ever through a player's first four seasons in the NFL.

Jefferson is set to make $19.7 million next season in the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. He had engaged with the Vikings on contract extension talks last offseason, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. Minnesota is hoping to have better luck this time around.

"We had a lot of great dialogue last offseason," Adofo-Mensah said. "I think people forget: Deals rarely happen after three years. ... I promised [Jefferson's representatives] and will continue to promise them, I will not talk about our negotiations. I think this job should be done with integrity. So a lot of this stuff I hear is completely false. But I can't get up here and tell you what's not true or not false because that's not how I promised to do this job. But I will tell you ... he's somebody we want around for a long time."

In addition to addressing Jefferson's future with the team, the Vikings also face a major decision on whether to re-sign veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins or pursue a younger signal-caller. Adofo-Mensah said that he's hoping to reach an agreement with Cousins for the 2024 season.

After the Vikings missed the playoffs with a 7-10 record in 2023, Adofo-Mensah is certainly hoping to make the right moves this offseason that would help the team bounce back. Keeping Jefferson happy with a contract extension should be Minnesota's top priority if it hopes to keep pace in the competitive NFC North.