The NFL rumor mill is in full swing as the start of free agency looms ever closer.
In just the past week, one of the more surprising rumors is the idea that the Minnesota Vikings will part ways will star receiver Justin Jefferson.
Speculation has included the organization trading Jefferson to a team with a higher first-round pick than the Vikings’ current 11th position.
With that upgraded spot, Minnesota could then take a quarterback to replace veteran Kirk Cousins.
On Tuesday, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did his best to shut down the idea that he would deal Jefferson.
According to Kevin Seifert, who covers Minnesota for ESPN, Adofo-Mensah said a breakdown in contract negotiations with the receiver is “completely false.”
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said “a lot of the stuff” he has heard about the Justin Jefferson contract negotiations is “completely false.” Said the sides got “unbelievably close” to a deal last summer and reiterates that the team wants him “around for a long time.”
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) February 27, 2024
The GM also added that both sides were “unbelievably close” to getting a long-term deal signed last summer.
It would be difficult for Vikings fans to stomach the idea of losing both Cousins and Jefferson this offseason.
Both players are in the upper echelon of their respective positions in the NFL and Minnesota would be in terrible shape without them.
Jefferson has said recently that he is hopeful of a Cousins return to Minnesota.
He has also said that he would still deliver the same results regardless of who is under center.
However, it’s not hard to imagine someone of Jefferson’s ability getting antsy if he doesn’t have a good quarterback throwing him the ball consistently.
Minnesota had four different signal-callers in 2023, including Cousins.
If the team lets Cousins walk and his replacement struggles, Jefferson more than likely will seek greener pastures.
Losing him would be a massive blow to the team’s offensive capabilities.
NEXT:
Report: Vikings Could Make Star Available For Trade
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