The 2023 NFL season was a disappointment for the Minnesota Vikings as they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2023 NFL Playoffs.
The Vikings endured several tough obstacles throughout the season, most notably the loss of Kirk Cousins who suffered a torn Achilles.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Cousins who is set to hit free agency, forcing a tough decision on the Minnesota front office.
Aside from Cousins, though, the Vikings must also negotiate a long-term extension with Justin Jefferson who also dealt with his own injury.
Jefferson missed about half the season with a hamstring injury, though he was able to return to the field and produce like the superstar receiver he is.
Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah discussed Jefferson’s looming extension and said that it’s one of many items on the team’s to-do list in the offseason via Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
“We have to address that, as well as a bunch of other things,” Adofo-Mensah said.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he was "optimistic" about the Justin Jefferson extension. Said he chatted with JJ's reps this morning (not specific to the contract), but mentioned as far as relationship.
"We have to address that, as well as a bunch of other things."
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) January 10, 2024
A player as talented as Jefferson will demand a lucrative deal that could reset the receiver market, so Minnesota must plan around that when building out the roster for next year.
The team could look to save some money by parting ways with Cousins and drafting his replacement or signing a bridge quarterback for the short-term.
Either way, Jefferson is in line for a massive raise considering what he has done in his career so far and the team would be foolish to let him go.
More likely than not, the two sides will come to terms on a rich new deal and look to compete next year and beyond.
NEXT: NFL Fines Justin Jefferson For Conduct After TD Last Week