Justin Jefferson sounds like he wants to leave the Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson sounds like he’s ready to leave the Minnesota Vikings

The 2022 version of the Minnesota Vikings made the playoffs after finishing the regular season first in the NFC North, however, the club made it no further than Sunday night’s Wild Card Round, as they were handed a tough defeat at the hands of the New York Giants in a 31-24 contest.

Kirk Cousins looked like the best version of himself throughout the game, throwing two touchdowns and 273 yards while making 31 completions in 39 attempts.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson continued to prove his worth, making ten receptions and averaging 12.9 yards per catch. Justin Jefferson wasn’t able to factor into the game much, as he made only seven receptions and averaged 6.7 yards per catch.

After the game and the Vikings’ elimination from the playoffs, reporters swarmed Jefferson at his locker and began questioning him on his contract situation and whether or not he is going to pursue a long-term extension with the club.

Vikings: Justin Jefferson sounds like he wants out of Minnesota

“I mean, I will be wherever I’m wanted. If they want me here, I’m here. That’s not something that I can really control,” Jefferson told reporters.

That does not sound promising.

Jefferson, 23, is obviously going to be a player that the Vikings want to keep around. After all, he’s coming off of a season worthy of Offensive Player of the Year consideration as he led the league in receptions (128) and yards (1,809). Not to mention the fact that he has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

The 2020 first-round pick has done everything he can to carry this Vikings offense and signing him to a long-term extension is certainly going to be near the top of their to-do list, however, his latest comments suggest that he may not be all that interested in sticking around.

As things currently stand, Jefferson is set to make $4.1 million next season but this offseason will mark the first time he is able to negotiate a new contract since he just wrapped up his third professional season. There is little doubt that he is going to want to be one of the highest-paid receivers in the game after establishing himself as a superstar-caliber player over the last few seasons.