When it comes to Justin Jefferson, NFL fans expect the Vikings wide receiver to come up with stunning receptions against elite opposing defenders each week.
On the first Sunday of the NFL season, the three-time Pro Bowler delivered in Minnesota’s game against the Buccaneers, hauling in seven catches for 138 yards in the first half of the matchup. However, Jefferson added a new wrinkle to his Sunday highlights when he absolutely leveled Buccaneers rookie safety Christian Izien on an interception return late in the second quarter.
On 2nd and 1 from the Buccaneers’ 14, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was seeking to connect with K.J. Osborn in hopes of giving Minnesota a potential touchdown lead going into halftime. Instead, Izien picked off Cousins on the goal line.
After Izien ran for several yards, Jefferson came from the rookie’s blindside and delivered the hard hit. The two teams remained tied at 10 going into halftime.
This was a Big-Time hit stick from #Vikings WR Justin Jefferson.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 10, 2023
7 Catches for 138 yards at halftime and one hit-stick 👊pic.twitter.com/oYE5sNMF31https://t.co/M49DiDLral
Jefferson has picked up where he left off in Minnesota’s first game of the season. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year, who started his fourth NFL season on Sunday, is seeking a contract extension.
However, on Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Minnesota would not revisit an extension for the star wideout until the conclusion of the ’23 season. As a rookie in 2020, Jefferson signed a four-year, $13.12 million deal.
The 24-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract. However, Minnesota tagged on his fifth-year option in April, putting Jefferson on target to earn $19.7 million in the final year of his contract in the ’24 campaign.
