3 reasons the Vikings should be in no rush to extend Justin Jefferson
By Adam Carlson
Reason No. 2
Justin Jefferson is still under contract
The Vikings are unlikely to get an extension done before the start of the 2023 NFL season according to reports. That's not the worst thing since he's not set to become a free agent after this season.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Vikings exercised their fifth-year option of Justin Jefferson, meaning he will get paid handsomely to the tune of $19.7 million for his 2024 season even if he and the team are unable to reach an agreement on an extension.
A fifth-year option isn't the end either. Vikings fans may not see it often, but Minnesota could franchise tag Jefferson after the 2024 season if they still haven't worked out some kind of long-term extension.
Of course, fans have to be hoping a deal gets done before the fifth-year option or any tags have to actually be used in order to keep both sides happy during negotiations, but it's still something possible while talks continue.