The Green Bay Packers will be looking to get back on top of the NFC North in 2024. Since 2011 the Packers have won the division eight times. The Minnesota Vikings have been crowned the champs three times in that span, and the Bears and Lions are both tied at one.
While the Lions may be early off-season favorites to repeat as champs, it’s a different rival who is missing a cornerstone player at voluntary workouts.
Green Bay Packers’ Rival Has Cornerstone “No Show” At Voluntary Workouts
According to Ari Meirov:
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson did not report today to Day 1 of voluntary workouts. Reminder: It’s voluntary. But Jefferson is waiting to get his $$$.
Last year, Jefferson skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason as well, since he is still awaiting a record-breaking contract extension.
Jaire Alexander just did the griddy in Justin Jefferson’s face. pic.twitter.com/kjJ3ygl7gp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 1, 2023
Will The Minnesota Vikings Pay Justin Jefferson?
The first extension was available to Jefferson last year. The Vikings’ spring offseason program included numerous OTA practices, which he decided to skip during the first two months. In mid-June, he attended mandatory minicamp for the first time, citing endorsement deals as the reason for his absence thus far.
During that time, Jefferson attended all mandatory Vikings practices, including training camp, and had over 1,000 yards in just eight games. Several reports indicate that the Vikings and Jefferson’s camp were close to agreeing to an extension before the season started.
According to Will Ragatz of Inside The Vikings:
O’Connell would love to have Jefferson in the building as soon as possible, but he isn’t sure when that’ll happen.
“I’ve had a lot of great dialogue with Justin,” O’Connell said. “My hope is we can get him around the team. Want him here as much as we can have him, but also understand there’s a lot of factors involved.”
When Jefferson does eventually sign a new contract, it’s likely going to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing Nick Bosa’s $34 million per year. The Eagles just extended DeVonta Smith for $75 million over three years ($25 million AAV with $51 million guaranteed). Jefferson’s going to get a lot more than that, and his camp will be pushing for heavy guarantees.
While it would be absolutely shocking to see the Vikings fail to get a contract done with Jefferson, this has been an intriguing storyline for years now. This is yet another layer added to the situation.
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