In what could have been a major shakeup in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings and star receiver Justin Jefferson were at a crossroads. The lingering uncertainty surrounding Jefferson’s contract situation had other teams around the league on high alert, with some even reaching out to gauge the possibility of trading for the talented wideout.
One such team that expressed interest in Jefferson was the San Francisco 49ers, as reported by renowned NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The 49ers “checked in” on Jefferson’s availability, only to be promptly informed by the Vikings that he was not on the trading block.
But the interest in Jefferson wasn’t confined to just the 49ers. The New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts also reportedly had “some level of interest” in acquiring Jefferson through a trade, according to Schefter.
The timing of the inquiries from these teams is worth noting, as the 49ers made their move before they found themselves embroiled in a contract dispute with their own receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, who was selected just three picks after Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft.
For the Vikings, the situation posed a dilemma. Should they commit to paying Jefferson a lucrative new contract, or entertain the idea of trading him to potentially acquire a cheaper option? Rumors even circulated during the 2024 draft that the Vikings had explored a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to move up to the fifth overall pick, possibly signaling a willingness to move on from Jefferson.
The financial implications of the decision were stark. The Vikings ultimately decided to sign Jefferson to a deal worth $35 million per year in new money. However, it was revealed that they could have drafted receiver Malik Nabers at the fifth overall spot for a mere $33 million over four years total, a fraction of what Jefferson’s new deal would cost.
After much deliberation and negotiation, the Vikings and Jefferson eventually reached an agreement on a new contract in June. The resolution was not a foregone conclusion, as Jefferson was adamant about his demands and the Vikings initially hesitated to meet them. It was only through a change of heart on the team’s end that the deal finally came to fruition.
Now that the contract saga has been put to rest, the focus shifts back to the field. The 49ers, who inquired about Jefferson’s availability just months ago, will have the daunting task of devising a game plan to contain the star receiver when they face off against the Vikings on the gridiron later today. The drama may have subsided, but the impact of Jefferson’s new deal will reverberate throughout the league for seasons to come.
