Breaking; Vikings’ $20 Million Star ‘Likely’ to Be Traded on NFL Draft Night, If Ever
The fate of the Minnesota Vikings hangs in balance, with a potentially pivotal decision to be made during the NFL draft that could alter their franchise’s course.
On Tuesday, April 23rd, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay listed five players who he believes are “probable to be traded” on the draft’s opening night. Justin Jefferson of the Vikings was one of them.
Although head coach Kevin O’Connell made a lighthearted remark about sending flowers to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft as an incentive for trading for their No. 3 draft pick, the team may also aim to acquire star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in exchange.
According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, Jefferson is worth the equivalent of a seventh overall pick. This evaluation takes into account that the receiver class this season is exceptionally strong and therefore decreases his value somewhat despite his impressive track record of 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns on 392 catches in just four seasons in the NFL.
It is unlikely that the successor to Jefferson would achieve success as quickly as he did. However, the Vikings have another promising first-round pick from 2023, Jordan Addison, who could lead their receiving team. They may take a risk with a new receiver in order to secure a foundation for a franchise quarterback.
There is a possibility that the Vikings could acquire Drake Maye through trading Justin Jefferson.
The trade proposal that Barnwell presented on April 18, involving the exchange of the No. 23 overall pick and Jefferson for the No.3 selection to Patriots, was brought up by Kay in discussion.
According to Kay’s writing, Minnesota may choose Drake Maye from UNC with the help of their new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown. Maye shares a history dating back to his high school days with McCown and the Vikings.
My impression is that the Vikings are not willing to trade Jefferson. However, I am open-minded about his future until a potential deal involving him is finalized.
As part of the trade, the Vikings will retain their No. 11 selection and have an opportunity to be inventive in filling Jefferson’s shoes. They may opt for Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson as their primary receiving duo or consider selecting Brian Thomas Jr at that slot instead. Alternatively, they could aim to move up to pick number eight where Rome Odunze is projected. It should be noted that replacing someone like Jefferson would not come easily with any wide receiver drafted by them; however, one possibility might involve picking Drake Maye at third overall followed by surrounding him with two first-round picks – Aaron Jones at running back and Hockenson manning tight end duties while bolstering his perimeter support via draft choices from later selections onwards .
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings’ GM, is under pressure to acquire a franchise quarterback.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Vikings appear to be in a precarious situation when it comes to acquiring a potential franchise quarterback in the forthcoming draft.
Russini stated on April 22 that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Vikings is experiencing the most pressure in this draft. The team has a record of 20-14 within his three-year leadership, yet without a playoff victory. Despite Kirk Cousins’ coach expressing interest in retaining him as QB, Adofo-Mensah allowed him to leave and is now running out of time. Adding an exceptional quarterback during this draft may be his best chance for altering the franchise’s trajectory.
There may be pressure to part ways with Jefferson if the right player becomes available, especially given the potential size of his upcoming contract. Despite still being under his rookie deal’s fifth-year option worth $19.7 million, it is probable that the Vikings will need to offer a record-breaking extension in order for him to remain on their team for an extended period.
While Jefferson’s skills warrant a high salary, it may be a burden for a team in the midst of reconstruction. To remedy this situation, trading him along with their young QB could present an optimal opportunity to acquire Minnesota’s promising prospect in exchange and potentially accomplish later this week.
