A Vikings Analyst Shares His Opinion On Justin Jefferson As A Viking Moving Forward

While the Minnesota Vikings search for stability at the quarterback position from either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy, the quiet part is the team is looking for consistency and to appease their star receiver Justin Jefferson. Last season, frustrations were palpable from Jefferson, the franchise, and the fan base, but the whispers are the Vikings making sure Jefferson is happy with his production and role in the offense.

Matthew Coller of Purple Insider joined Yahoo Sports Daily and gave a very frank opinion about Jefferson after signing his massive extension.

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“The way that contracts are set up these days allows even more for Justin Jefferson to potentially try to ask out if this doesn’t work,” Coller said. “I don’t know if that’s something that he would ever want to do, but contracts are generally set up to have lower cap hits in the early years and then get super expensive at the end of the contract, which is where you negotiate an extension.”

“It’s either you’re going to sign an extension with this team, stay with them long term, lock yourself in, probably a Minnesota Viking for life. I know how much he admires Larry Fitzgerald and the fact that he was with one franchise for his entire career. I think that’s what Justin Jefferson absolutely wants. He’s very close with Kevin O’Connell. They’ve built a great relationship through the years.”

Now, to be fair, there is no indication that Jefferson is looking for an exit from Minnesota, but Coller is dead on with how players should conduct themselves. Many have been quick to exit certain situations that are deteriorating. There are two schools of thought: players don’t have years to waste, which is true, or you show allegiance to the team that has invested in you. Also, you chose to sign with the franchise.

Jefferson has said and done all the right things, but the message from Coller is a valid one. Perhaps it should be showed around the league. I believe Jefferson is in for the long haul, but Fitzgerald being someone he looks up to is the perfect example. No matter how things went, Larry carried himself like a professional and controlled what he could control.