If you thought there was even a slight chance that the Minnesota Vikings would trade elite wide receiver Justin Jefferson this offseason, you might want to sit down.
While speaking to reporters at the 2024 NFL Combine this week, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shut down the possibility that Jefferson would get traded this offseason ahead of the wideout needing a new contract as he enters his final year on his rookie deal.
As Jefferson is probably the best receiver in the NFL and Minnesota’s best player by a good margin, Adofo-Mensah quickly confirmed that the Vikings know full well what kind of player and person they have in the offensive superstar.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on if he's considered trading Justin Jefferson
"That's is not something that has once crossed my mind. You've got a blue player, blue person. You try and keep as many of those as you can."
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) February 27, 2024
Extending Jefferson will make any situation easier for whoever the Vikings have at quarterback in 2024 and beyond, whether that’s Kirk Cousins, another free agent, a trade acquisition or a drafted rookie.
However, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell made it sound like the team wants to keep Cousins if possible.
Kevin O’Connell: “I think Kirk Cousins wants to be a Viking, and we’re gonna work to make that happen.”
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 27, 2024
With Jefferson and Cousins both needing new deals, don’t be surprised if that sends defensive end Danielle Hunter into free agency.
No matter what, don’t expect Jefferson playing anywhere but Minnesota any time soon.