Schefter: Vikings Never Offered Justin Jefferson in Trade to Patriots for No. 3 Pick

The Minnesota Vikings weren't prepared to include wide receiver Justin Jefferson in trade offers for the No. 3 overall pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter reported Monday on the Pat McAfee Show the Vikings "offered various pick packages" and had "the most discussions" with the New England Patriots. Jefferson wasn't among the assets general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah put on the table.

Jefferson is set to become a free agent in 2025 and the receiver market is spiking in a big way. The Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown and Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown have joined Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill in the $30 million club.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter that Jefferson is expected to get more than $30 million annually on his next contract. One sticking point right now is how much of his deal will be guaranteed.

Schefter's report points to one obvious conclusion: The Vikings have every intention of retaining the three-time Pro Bowler.

This offseason would've been the ideal time to trade Jefferson otherwise, and a deal with the Patriots specifically would've allowed Minnesota to select a quarterback it valued. Leading up to the draft it was clear the franchise liked North Carolina's Drake Maye.

Maybe New England wouldn't have wanted Jefferson anyway, but it says something that the Vikings didn't even bother to try.