The Vikings’ quarterback situation will not keep star receiver Justin Jefferson from signing a new deal with the team. That’s the word from play-by-play announcer Paul Allen, who nixed any suggestion that Minnesota’s unclear future at the QB position could have any impact on Jefferson’s negotiations.
“Reports that Jefferson might have some trouble with who the next quarterback is going to be, that’s not true. And yes I did get that from the inside,” Allen said on the Vikings draft preview show.
The star receiver has hinted as much already this offseason. When asked by NFL Network at the Super Bowl how the team’s uncertain future at QB would impact his contract situation, Jefferson pointed to his success in 2023 despite playing with four different quarterbacks.
“I still managed to get 1,000 yards by playing through four different quarterbacks,” Jefferson said. “It really doesn’t matter too much who’s throwing me that ball as long as someone’s throwing it to me. I feel like I’m confident and I have the ability to make plays no matter if the ball is 100% accurate or if it’s a little behind or a little in front or a little off. I’m always confident in my game, confident that I’m going to play the same no matter who’s going to throw me that ball.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in March that Jefferson turned down a deal “in excess of $30-million-per-year” last offseason, leading to the assumption that he’s seeking something closer to $35 million with lots of guaranteed money.
The 24-year-old has had a record-breaking start to his career and is in line for a massive contract extension that many believe will reset the wide receiver market, possibly the entire non-QB market.
Jefferson was absent from the team’s first day of voluntary workouts, something he did last year before returning for mandatory minicamp.
