Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

 

[Alec Lewis on X]

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.