Justin Jefferson didn’t sound stressed at all by the fact he and the Minnesota Vikings failed to agree on a contract extension before the regular season.
’s reigning receiving leader, who had by far the most yards of any player in history through his first three seasons, was more than happy to fully participate in training camp unlike some of his contract-seeking peers around the league. He also made clear his camp has been driving a hard bargain for what is likely to be the richest deal for a player at his position.
After adding another record to his list as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 25 career games with 100-plus yards receiving — he got there in 51 games to beat Lance Alworth — Jefferson didn’t hint at any ill will toward the front office or feeling of being slighted by the lack of an extension.
Though there was widespread optimism about a deal being struck before Sunday, teams usually don’t engage in much contract talk during the season to keep key players from potential distraction. That means the next time the negotiation gets going Jefferson will be entering the final year on his deal. More than half of Kirk Cousins’ 273 yards passing in the first half went Jefferson, but the Vikings had to settle for a 10-all tie despite three times as much yardage as the Buccaneers.