As former Cleveland Browns general manager Michael Lombardi (and others) likes to say, it’s NFL lying season. Coaches and general managers blow smoke or outright lie to throw off the scent of their true intentions.
Today it’s the Minnesota Vikings are listening to offers for star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, per Pioneer Press’ Charley Walters (subscription). And, of course, like any player who even remotely sounds like he could be on the market — Pittsburgh Steelers fans want him.
That’s nice and all, but it’s not going to happen. The return the Vikings would demand — if there is, in fact, “steam” — is beyond what the Steelers would ever do. Multiple picks, present and future, and perhaps a player — too rich for Pittsburgh’s blood. Not to mention, who is going to throw to Justin Jefferson? Right… Justin Fields.
A receiver, as dynamic as Jefferson is, is the least of the Steelers’ worries.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: There is "steam" that the #Vikings could make WR Justin Jefferson available via trade, per @Charley_Walters pic.twitter.com/r8aLroBG2e
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 25, 2024