Justin Jefferson Skips Vikings OTAs Amid Contract Extension Talks

Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not attend the first day of the team's offseason team activities (OTAs) on Monday, as contract extension negotiations between his camp and the Vikings continue.

Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings' All-Pro wide receiver, was absent from the team's first day of OTAs on Monday, adding to the ongoing speculation surrounding his contract extension status.

According to ESPN, Jefferson's absence is directly related to the ongoing discussions between his camp and the Vikings over a new contract. Jefferson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which would pay him nearly $20 million guaranteed under the fifth-year option the Vikings exercised last offseason.

Jefferson is widely expected to shatter the NFL record for a wide receiver contract with his next deal, and the Vikings are eager to lock him up to a long-term extension. However, no agreement has been reached thus far.

Jefferson is coming off another stellar season in which he led the NFL in receptions (128), receiving yards (1,809), and receiving yards per game (106.4). He has made the Pro Bowl and been named All-Pro in every healthy season of his professional career.

The Vikings are facing uncertainty at quarterback following the departure of Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Minnesota signed former San Francisco 49ers backup Sam Darnold and drafted former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jefferson may opt to wait and play next season on his fifth-year option without a contract extension, as he could benefit from a potentially larger deal next offseason if he has another strong season.

The Vikings have expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Jefferson, but the wide receiver's absence from OTAs is a sign that the negotiations are still ongoing.

Jefferson is one of the most dynamic and productive wide receivers in the NFL, and the Vikings are hoping to keep him in purple and gold for the long term. However, the Vikings will need to make a substantial offer to entice Jefferson, who is undoubtedly one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.

The contract negotiations between Jefferson and the Vikings are likely to continue throughout the offseason. If an agreement cannot be reached, Jefferson could skip the entire offseason program, including training camp, until a new deal is in place.

The Vikings are hoping to avoid such a scenario and are confident that they can sign Jefferson to a long-term extension that will keep him in Minnesota for years to come.