Vikings’ Coach Gives Major Update On Justin Jefferson Contract Talks

The Minnesota Vikings have still not reached an agreement on a contract extension with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, but head coach Kevin O’Connell says not to panic.

During a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show, O’Connell discussed Jefferson and said that he is very optimistic about a deal being completed.

“I know everything’s going to get worked out there,” O’Connell said.

Jefferson is preparing to enter the final year of his deal and can test free agency if the Vikings are unable to lock him up with a long-term pact.

However, it doesn’t seem like Jefferson has any intention of leaving. He has remained patient throughout the entire process and has said all the right things.

“Justin knows the love and admiration that I have for him, and he knows he’s such a big part of what we do around here,” added O’Connell. “That’s on the field, that’s off the field, (he) brings such a great energy to our building every single day. And he’s the ultra-competitor as far as when he steps between the white lines. Very few people are able to do the things that he’s able to do, but it’s how he goes about his business, how he works, how he pushes his teammates to get better. Justin Jefferson is a huge part of this organization.”

Jefferson, who played his collegiate football at LSU, was selected by the Vikings with the 22nd overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He burst on to the scene during his rookie campaign, catching 88 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. He one-upped himself the following year, snaring 108 balls for 1,616 yards and 10 scores. Then, in 2022, Jefferson had his best season to date, leading the league in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) while reaching the end zone eight times.

The 24-year-old played in just 10 games this past year due to a hamstring injury, but he still managed to register 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns.

Jefferson has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons and also earned a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2022. Plus, he was named Offensive Player of the Year.

The Vikings went 7-10 last year and are entering a new era with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. We’ll see if they can ensure that Justin Jefferson sticks around for the long haul, too.