After a full year of contract negotiations, there have been hints planted to suggest that Minnesota Vikings standout Justin Jefferson is not happy about his contract extension.
The enduring NFL news cycle generated conjecture over Jefferson’s dissatisfaction as he skipped the first day of optional practice on April 15.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell refuted any suggestion that the Vikings and Jefferson are becoming more and more apart.
Even in the early going in this offseason, Justin and I have had a lot of wonderful conversations. “I’m hoping we can get him on the team,” O’Connell stated at a press conference on April 15. “He’s undoubtedly a unique player, but it goes beyond that, particularly at this time of year, because of the energy he brings to the office and the way his teammates react to him.” I realize there are many variables at play, but I still really want him here as much as possible.
Star players who are in contract discussions frequently use Jefferson’s absence from team activities as a way to exert pressure on teams. Last year, he did not participate in optional workouts but was required to attend training camp and minicamps.
Although the Vikings usually provide these kinds of extensions in the summer, either before training camp or the regular season, Jefferson is about to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
O’Connell, though, will have to continue covering for the absence of the Vikings’ most valuable player until Jefferson makes an appearance.
“He’s a truly exceptional player who elevates others to a whole new level, and I love having him around on a daily basis,” O’Connell continued.
