Before the draft, the Vikings had a clear choice with their star receiver, Justin Jefferson: either pay him what he deserves or trade him to a team willing to do so. Now that the trade window has closed, the Vikings have no other option but to pay him.
Recent remarks from G.M. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah indicate that they are indeed willing to pay him. However, similar statements in the past didn’t lead to action. They still haven’t paid him.
It should be relatively straightforward to reach a deal, especially since Adofo-Mensah previously acknowledged that Jefferson should be compensated like a top player outside of the quarterback position.
Currently, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa holds that spot, earning $34 million per year. So, a potential deal could be four years, $122.043 million, with the first three years fully guaranteed.
During the draft, Adofo-Mensah mentioned that the Vikings want Jefferson to secure his deal when he can have the spotlight to himself. But recent big contracts for other receivers like A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown have only increased the market rate, making it more expensive to sign Jefferson.
The cost of waiting will only rise. Whatever the price might have been last September when Jefferson reportedly declined $30 million per year, it’s likely higher now and will continue to increase.
So, Vikings, the time for hesitation is over. It’s time to acknowledge the reality of the situation and make the deal happen.
