Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson was spotted in the area of an interesting AFC team’s training facility as trade rumors continue to ramp up.
According to New York Mets and New York Yankees Sports Illustrated reporter Pat Ragazzo, Justin Jefferson was recently seen in Florham Park, New Jersey. This is noteworthy because this happens to be the location of the New York Jets’ training facility:
“Sources: Star WR Justin Jefferson was spotted in Florham Park, NJ, over the weekend, which is where the Jets facility is located. Jefferson is looking for a new contract with the Vikings. It’s possible MIN could trade him if they can’t come to terms on a new deal (opinion).”
The details behind Jefferson’s visit to Florham Park are unclear, so it’s natural to wonder if the Jets are working behind the scenes on a deal for the league’s best wide receiver. Plus, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported today that Jefferson wasn’t at Minnesota’s training facility for the beginning OTAs.
Jefferson is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and he’s widely expected to sign the richest WR contract in NFL history. Over his first four years, the 24-year-old has racked up 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and five touchdowns.
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The 2020 first-round pick led the NFL in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) during the 2022 season. Despite missing seven games last year, Justin Jefferson still caught 68 passes for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns.
Trading Justin Jefferson Would Signal A Vikings Rebuild
The Minnesota Vikings underwent a drastic retool this offseason, parting ways with four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins. A month after Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, Minnesota used the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft on Michigan signal-caller JJ McCarthy.
If Minnesota were to trade Jefferson, they would most certainly do so with the intention of rebuilding. He would easily bring them pack at least two first-round picks in a potential trade, and it would open up the opportunity for 2023 first-rounder Jordan Addison to step in as the new WR1.
It still feels unlikely that Minnesota will actually trade their franchise player. Then again, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Odell Beckham Jr. (with the New York Giants) were all regarded as untouchables.
