Justin Jefferson will sign new deal with Vikings on one condition

**Minnesota Vikings Face Dilemma in Justin Jefferson Contract Negotiations**

The Minnesota Vikings are eager to secure star wide receiver Justin Jefferson with a lucrative long-term contract, indicating a willingness to meet his demands. However, there’s a significant caveat: Jefferson has made it clear that he won’t commit to a new deal until the team clarifies its plans regarding the quarterback position.

According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, Jefferson has conveyed to the Vikings that he’s hesitant to sign any contract extension until there is clarity on who will be leading the team’s offense.

When Jefferson does eventually put pen to paper, it’s anticipated that his new deal will surpass Tyreek Hill’s record-setting contract, making him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Hill’s four-year, $120 million deal, averaging $30 million per season, currently holds that distinction.

Jefferson’s stance on the quarterback situation stems from his vocal support for incumbent signal-caller Kirk Cousins, who played out the 2023 season under a one-year, $35 million contract and is set to become a free agent in March. Spotrac values Cousins at $39.3 million per season and forecasts a potential three-year, $118 million deal for him in free agency.

Since entering the league in 2020, Jefferson has only played alongside Cousins, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier receivers. His impressive stats over four seasons include 392 receptions, 5,899 yards, and 30 touchdowns, ranking him near the top in various receiving categories during that span.

#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson response after being asked who’s going to be throwing him the ball in 2024:

“I have no idea. It could be could Kirk, it could not be Kirk… it doesn’t matter who is going to be throwing me that ball. I’m always going to be that same type of player.” pic.twitter.com/1rBC7gdYrz

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 8, 2024

While Cousins may draw interest from other teams in free agency, he has expressed a desire to continue his career with the Vikings, emphasizing the importance of organizational stability over financial considerations. Despite suffering a season-ending Achilles injury during Week 8, Cousins was enjoying a standout year, poised to set personal bests in passing yards and touchdowns.

Although retaining Cousins appears to be the likeliest scenario for the Vikings, they do have alternative options to explore. These options include trading for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, drafting a promising prospect like Michael Penix Jr. from Washington, Bo Nix from Oregon, or J.J. McCarthy from Michigan, or pursuing established free agents such as Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, or Gardner Minshew.

As the Vikings navigate the intricacies of their quarterback situation, their ability to satisfy Jefferson’s contract demands may hinge on the clarity they provide regarding the team’s future at the helm of the offense.