Several teams approached Minnesota about trading for star wide receiver Justin Jefferson months before the latter accepted a historic four-year, $140 million contract extension with the team on Monday, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on the most recent episode of “The Adam Schefter Podcast.”
When co-host Daniel Dopp questioned Schefter about whether the Vikings truly took calls on Jefferson, he replied, “Never ever got close.”
“A few groups made contact. Regarding Justin Jefferson, the New York Jets made contact. You are aware that the Indianapolis Colts contacted Justin Jefferson? You are aware that the 49ers contacted you regarding Justin Jefferson?
All of this occurred before to the draft, and the Vikings informed each club that called them beforehand that they would not be dealing for him. The discussions with no one yielded no results, therefore the argument was moot.
In addition, there ought to have been thirty-one teams contacting the Vikings to inquire about the possibility of trading the wide receiver who was seeking a new contract but was having trouble doing so. Everyone ought to have given a call.”
Even though the talks about a possible deal for Jefferson ended in failure, the 49ers’ apparent desire to make such a significant acquisition should cause some concern.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is currently negotiating a hefty contract extension with San Francisco.
Deals involving elite players like Jeffery and others this offseason have helped Aiyuk’s market.