With the NFL offseason underway, there are several players currently eligible for extensions with their respective teams. One of the most intriguing is Justin Jefferson, who could be in line for a historic contract considering the first three seasons of his NFL career.
But until Jefferson puts pen to paper on a new contract, speculation regarding his future with the Minnesota Vikings will remain. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did his best to shutdown any discussion that Minnesota might be willing to trade its 24-year-old star wide receiver.
“That is not something that has ever crossed my mind,” Adofo-Mensah said of a potential trade involving Jefferson, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the idea of trading Justin Jefferson: “That is not something that has ever crossed my mind.”
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) February 27, 2024
While it’s obviously possible that circumstances could change, it’s hard to imagine Minnesota being willing to trade Jefferson. After being selected with the No. 22 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LSU product has begun his pro career on a historic pace, totaling 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in his first 60 regular-season games.
With quarterback Kirk Cousins slated to hit free agency this offseason, there is already no shortage of uncertainty when it comes to the future of the Vikings’ roster. Regardless of how Minnesota moves forward, however, it’s clear the Vikings intend to do so with the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year still a member of their roster.
Following Adofo-Mensah’s comments on Tuesday, many took to social media to weigh in.
https://t.co/HfF6RfUwM5 pic.twitter.com/5Fbit3aJgJ
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) February 27, 2024
The rest of the NFL is so mad right now.
Jefferson is here to stay. https://t.co/6JGwcmjlV8
— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) February 27, 2024
The thought of trading Justin Jefferson has never crossed his mind.
Guessing that probably has at least a little bit to do with the fact that he's not an idiot. https://t.co/ap6wwMxnBN
— The Daily Norseman ░V░I░K░ I░N░G░S░ ░I░N░ ░B░I░0░ (@DailyNorseman) February 27, 2024
So can the media finally back off this? The amount of trade propositions I’ve seen for JJ is insane. Let Kwesi cook. https://t.co/Mfr5jlxIJX
— N0va (@n0vaknowsball) February 27, 2024
There were real life people out there who thought their team could get him for a first, a second, and a bech player 😭 Imagine knowing so little ball! https://t.co/er1JhoYiCD
— Erik the Red (@FamousNorseman) February 27, 2024
Wow who would have guessed aggregator accounts quoting Florio speculation as a source had no actual basis in reality https://t.co/2HWmRkXfyH
— Ethan K. (@Cy_Ober) February 27, 2024
Wait, I thought he was getting traded to New England for just the third pick? Could’ve sworn people on this shit app were saying that a week ago? https://t.co/7B9XQaNLax
— Mike from Fall River (@TheMikeSoares) February 27, 2024
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.