Justin Jefferson is heading into the 2024 season with two things to his name: the best wide receiver in football and a looming free agent. According to one analyst, the latter is an issue the Vikings can’t wait to resolve itself thus making him a trade candidate.
"The Vikings gotta trade Justin Jefferson. He's telling you I'm not re-signing here."
— @craigcartonlive pic.twitter.com/uK3RoKyxn7
— The Carton Show (@TheCartonShow) April 3, 2024
Fox Sports analyst and sports radio legend Craig Carton said that the Vikings “have to trade him” if he is refusing big contract extensions.
“You’ve gotta trade (Jefferson) because if he turned down a contract that would make him either the first or second-highest paid wide receiver in the history of the NFL, he’s telling you ‘I’m not re-signing here.’ So you better get value for him while you can.”
Carton may have a rare opinion, but it is an opinion and point that the team and fanbase may have to accept if push comes to shove. One would have to think that the quarterback situation will play a key role in his interest in remaining a Viking for the long term. The team has the right to franchise tag him next offseason if an extension can’t be made.
To Carton’s point, however, if a deal can’t and won’t be made, Jefferson’s value may be in a trade rather than a roster spot.
