Here are three potential trade destinations for 1,000-yard receiver and Minnesota Viking Justin Jefferson with this year’s NFL Draft upcoming. It’s worth noting that the star wideout was missing voluntary workouts this week so this could indicate that he’s waiting on a new contract. However, he became first eligible for a new deal last offseason but things are starting to heat up as the Vikings are looking for their next quarterback. There is a rumor floating that the Vikings could trade Jefferson to the Patriots for the No. 3 pick of the first round.
This would allow Minnesota to draft their next franchise quarterback after Kirk Cousins left to join the Falcons. The only way the Patriots are moving down in the first round is if a team offers them an unprecedented deal, according to reports. However, there is a real chance of that happening since there is mutual interest between Drake Maye and the Vikings. If the Commanders select Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick, it would allow Maye to be available for Minnesota.
There’s a lot of pressure for the Vikings since Jefferson is heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. It’s safe to assume that the star isn’t showing up until mandatory camp in June. Once a deal happens, even if it’s not with the Vikings, it’s likely going to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. It makes sense for the Patriots to receive Jefferson if the trade happens since they need a receiver.
However, the All-Pro receiver is probably one of the best entering his prime at 24. The Vikings are sitting at No. 11 so if they’re prioritizing the quarterback position, it could happen. Here are three other trade destinations for Jefferson.
Three Potential Trade Destinations for 1,000-Yard Receiver Justin Jefferson
Kansas City Chiefs
This sounds like a dream scenario for both Jefferson and Kansas City. However, don’t get your hopes up since the Chiefs have the No. 32 pick. This means the Vikings won’t be able to obtain their franchise quarterback until the end of the night. Kansas City would also need to figure out how to pay Jefferson.
The Chiefs could be the team to go “all in” since the team hasn’t had any luck this offseason finding their next wideout. The receiver class in this year’s draft may be loaded but that may not intrigue the Chiefs very fondly. This means they need to find a replacement for Rashee Rice since it’s likely he won’t return after his investigation. Kansas City hasn’t been able to find their star wideout since having Tyreek Hill on their team.
Patrick Mahomes has been reliant on Travis Kelce and Rice, who will likely not play at all next season. The only other available wideouts they have on their team are Kadarius Toney and Marquise Brown. However, Brown is more a short-term option for the team so don’t expect this to be the permanent solution. The Chiefs need their next receiver for the next decade and that could be Jefferson.
Baltimore Ravens
Like it or not, the Ravens will probably struggle if they don’t prioritize the receiver position this offseason. The loss of Odell Beckham Jr. means they need someone to replicate the same workload that Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews are producing. There are also rumors spiraling that the Ravens could trade Rashod Bateman on draft day so this blockbuster trade could happen. Jefferson and Flowers on the same team sounds like a scary time for NFL secondaries.
Los Angeles Chargers
This would be the perfect scenario for Jefferson to play under Jim Harbaugh if this trade happens. The Chargers are not selecting a quarterback but they need a receiver. This could allow the Chargers and Vikings to work out a deal to fill both of their needs. Jefferson would be a reliable asset for Justin Herbert as he’s looking for a new set of hands.
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