Questions Answered: Anxiety on Possible 2025 Jefferson Departure, Lack of Vikings Drama, No Videotaping
Dustin Baker
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The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the July 31st edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
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Q: I read an article explaining the Vikings need to worry about Justin Jefferson leaving when his rookie contract is over. Why would he leave? And do you think he bolts?
A: Jefferson is at risk of leaving if the Vikings fail to reach the postseason in the next three seasons.
During his first two campaigns, Minnesota missed the postseason, which is not ideal for a young superstar. The Vikings won’t hold back in paying him ginormous money when the time comes — contract talks should heat up next spring — but the decision to stay will be Jefferson’s.
Had the Vikings burned down the roster with the arrival of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, a Jefferson departure would’ve been more probable because of “guaranteed losing” on the docket in 2022 and 2023. But they didn’t do that, so appeasing Jefferson with playoff appearances is the goal.
Overall, Jefferson is unlikely to leave in 2025, especially if the Vikings begin winning.
Q: It seems the Vikings have been low on real drama. If this is all, they must be in good shape, huh?
A: Yes, there are no contract holdouts, impending trades, and players are healthy, etc.
The honeymoon period for Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell indeed extended into training camp. A few media entities tried to manufacture Kirk Cousins-related drama, but those news cycles blew over quickly because the drama was — you guessed it — ridiculous.
It’s smooth sailing at Vikings training camp, likely until a keynote injury surfaces.
Q: Do you think the Vikings request for fans not to film anything at training camp is a little weird?
A: The request is a) a little weird b) fair.
The Vikings don’t want to broadcast plays to the opposition, a sensible mentality that fans can understand. Yet, some of the thrill for fans not in attendance is observing how players look from afar. And those video transmissions come from folks in attendance.
The Vikings request is a necessary evil but also understandbly upsetting for some fans.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).