The rumors have started flying recently regarding what is happening, and what has already happened, behind the scenes regarding Justin Jefferson’s contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings and what is taking so long for it to get done.
Until the ink officially hits paper, those rumors will not stop. But two reports have come out since the NFL Draft saying that the Vikings tried to trade up to No. 5 with the LA Chargers in order to draft, not a QB, but WR Malik Nabers.
One report via Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) suggested that Minnesota would have tried to deal Justin Jefferson, had they been able to complete the deal for his fellow LSU alumni. That has led to reports, after the fact, that JJ has been pushed “even further away” because of those Nabers trade up reports.
Report: Minnesota Vikings never tried to trade up for Malik Mabers
But on Tuesday, NFL insider and Minnesota Vikings beat writer Kevin Seifert (ESPN) sent a tweet to try and end what has quickly become a snowballing situation. According to Seifert’s sources, the Vikings NEVER tried to trade up for Nabers during the draft.
This rumor has made the rounds, and it's admittedly juicy, but the Vikings did not try last month to trade up and draft WR Malik Nabers. Great player, but Vikings have a better one in Justin Jefferson. Still working to extend Jefferson and no interest in trading him.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) May 28, 2024
Obviously, Seifert got ahold of someone in the Minnesota Vikings organization who wanted to shut down all of these Malik Nabers trade rumors. I can’t blame them. As soon as they heard that Justin Jefferson might be getting frustrated, they probably bolted into action.
But if I could give Kwesi Adofo-Mensah a little bit of advice, it would be to shut all of the talk down by getting the Jefferson deal done, finally. Hopefully, the Vikings’ GM has learned a valuable lesson that he will carry with him for the rest of his time working in NFL front offices.
When you have a player you are 100% sure you do not want to lose, don’t let it get as far down the road as it has with Justin. It is only going to hurt your team both in the pocket book and in the headlines.
