According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers “checked in” with the Minnesota Vikings over a potential trade for wide receiver Justin Jefferson during the summer.
At the time, it appeared as though Brandon Aiyuk’s demands for a new deal would force the Niners to find a new starting wideout. Not only did Jefferson remain in Minnesota, but Aiyuk signed a four-year contract extension with San Francisco.
The Vikings ended talks with Jefferson, despite Schefter’s allegation that the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts “had some level of interest” in him.
Much as with Aiyuk, Jefferson was surrounded by a great deal of contractual intrigue that at least raised the possibility of a trade this summer. When Minnesota signed him to a contract, that ended the dispute.a new agreement of $140 million.
The 25-year-old became the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback as a result. During training camp, he told reporters that his 2023 campaign, which was marred by injuries, had an impact on his approach this year.
“I’ve been extremely cautious because I’m afraid it will happen again,” Jefferson remarked. “I’m just trying to take proper care of my body and find new things that I can incorporate into my daily life to help me during the season.” In order to prevent injuries, I’ve undoubtedly been working on my hamstrings a little bit more.
In 2023, Jefferson was limited to 10 games due to a right hamstring ailment. It was disclosed in an episode of Netflix’s reality series Receiver that he was suffering from a “high grade” strain, which usually takes eight to ten weeks to recuperate from.
Jefferson had 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns at the end of the season, marking his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard performance, despite the injury. With 5,899 receiving yards over a player’s first four years in the NFL, he currently holds the record.With the departure of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons after six seasons with the Vikings, Minnesota appears quite different this season. In April, the team selected former Michigan signal-caller J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the draft and signed experienced backup Sam Darnold. Following McCarthy’s season-ending surgery for a torn meniscus, Darnold was designated the starter. Even more crucial is Jefferson’s presence on the field because Darnold needs as much talent surrounding him as possible. If the Vikings want to return to the postseason, they will need their best wide receiver to remain healthy.
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