The Minnesota Vikings need to define themselves, whether as contenders or pretenders next season.
This might be the only way Justin Jefferson trade rumors can be put to rest.
If the Vikings think they objectively have a shot at the Super Bowl, then keeping the coveted wide receiver will make sense.
If they think it will be a long shot, they should trade away the 25-year-old to ensure he would not walk away for nothing.
The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year is set to become a free agent after 2024, but talks of an extension have been around since 2023.
The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to a season-ending injury, dashing all their hopes for a title.
Jefferson is now seeking a contract to set the record for the biggest earnings by a wide receiver in Vikings history.
It will be hard for the franchise to give him that if they can't keep a formidable roster around him, with Cousins and Danielle Hunter also set to hit free agency.
TwinCity.com's Charley Walters said Justin Jefferson trade rumors are catching steams because of the NFL's salary cap increase. The player might ask for something higher, which the team could not afford.
Jefferson's camp knows this.
"The one fundamental truth about giving one of your own great players the contract he deserves is that the price will always go up if you wait," Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk commented.
"As of Friday, with the salary cap shooting to $255.4 million per team, Jefferson's price goes up even higher."
Thus, a trade might be considered.
Read more: 3 Best Landing Spots for Russell Wilson This 2024 Offseason
Jefferson could bring the Vikings a good trade package. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would not allow his team to be lowballed.
As for Jefferson, with his caliber, he got to go somewhere he could both get paid and contend for the title.
Best Trade Destinations for Justin Jefferson
1. New England Patriots
The Patriots got the money to pay him. They also have the No. 3 draft pick to make it possible for them to land Jefferson.
The Boston-based team is moving forward to a new era after parting ways with long-time coach Bill Belichick. They need a player with some star power.
Their quarterback, Mac Jones, the same age as Jefferson, is not yet there.
2. New York Giants
Jefferson will continue to have a prominent role with the New York Giants. The last time this franchise had a wide receiver that reached more than 1,000 yards was in 2019 when they had Odell Beckham Jr.
Quarterback Daniel Jones needs someone he can throw to on a nightly basis.
The best part about this trade is that the Giants own the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, meaning the Vikings will not need to let go of many of its assets. Jefferson may be enough.
3. Arizona Cardinals
It is a question of whether the Cardinals want instant results or they want to take it slow.
Picking No. 4 in the draft, they are believed to go for Ohio State's wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
It will be hard to reject an offer that includes Jefferson, who is already playing at a high level.
Kyle Murray continues to develop, and it can be accelerated if he gets to play with someone who is NLF-ready.
The Cardinals have a 2025 cap space of $151.4 million, leaving much room to pay Jefferson.
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