Justin Jefferson wants Vikings to ‘break the bank’ and offer new contract extension

The 2023 season marked a turbulent one for the Minnesota Vikings, as, with a string of losses on the field, the team occasionally lost some major players on the field due to injury issues, including Justin Jefferson. As their season concluded, the receiver expressed his concern that his team lacks seriousness about his contract extension.

Meanwhile, the NFL provided a shot on his bank account for his gun celebration. Hence, the wide receiver himself is trying to minimize the losses while hoping for a lucrative contract extension from the Vikings.

Justin Jefferson eyes contract extension at Vikings

Justin Jefferson recently spoke out about his desire for a significant contract extension in a candid interview with Sirius XM’s Adam Schein at Super Bowl radio row in Las Vegas. During the interview session, Jefferson expressed his aspirations to “break the bank”.

The receiver also emphasized the intention of continuing his career with the team from which he would get proper value.

“I wanna break the bank and I want to be a part of an organization that wants me and (wants) to really give me what I deserve,” Jefferson said. 

While optimistic about the Vikings’ intentions, the star receiver shared his concern regarding the uncertainty surrounding the contract negotiations.

“I feel like eventually, the #Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building, but I don’t really know at this very moment, only time will tell.”

Despite being named the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the 24-year-old’s contract extension with the Vikings is yet to be finalized. In the 2023 season, he demonstrated his prowess on the field, amassing 1,074 yards despite missing seven games and parts of two others, per SI.com.

With an all-time record of 5,899 receiving yards in his first four seasons, the Vikings player has solidified his position as the consensus No. 1 wide receiver in football.

Justin Jefferson talks about Kirk Cousins’s impact on the Vikings

The Vikings find themselves at a crossroads with their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, nursing a season-ending Achilles tendon tear. Critics have long scrutinized his performance in the league. But he was showcasing one of his most impressive seasons in the NFL before the injury struck.

The free agency period is approaching fast, and speculation arises about the Vikings’ future quarterback strategy. Amid this rumor, Jefferson voiced his unwavering support for his quarterback during a recent interview with Adam Schein. He expressed a desire for Cousins to stay with the Vikings.

“Of course I want him to be with us, he’s been a tremendous factor in us winning games”, the WR said.

Cousins’ dedication to the Vikings remains evident, despite the injury setback. He actively participates in his rehabilitation. The QB even splits his time between the team’s facility and sessions with his bodywork specialist. His commitment extends into the offseason, collaborating with team surgeon Chris Coetzee to ensure a full recovery.

The signal-caller’s statistical prowess during this season proved his impact. He threw for 2,331 yards while recording 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in only eight games. Even with his absence, his 291.4 passing yards per game continue to lead the league.

The Vikings spent time exploring their options for the future, including scouting top quarterback prospects, including Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.

Anyway, as the negotiations between Jefferson and Cousins have yet to hit the headlines, it remains to be seen how the Vikings will respond to Jefferson’s desire to “break the bank.”