With Justin Jefferson Hobbled, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Needs to Run (to the Negotiation Table)
Putting Justin Jefferson on the IR was both the right move and the decision that almost certainly signals the season is done. Or, put differently, done when it comes to securing a playoff spot.
The team still has plenty to play for, most prominently in the development of the young players alongside the opportunity for the coaches to keep honing their craft. One thinks of Brian Flores, in particular, as someone who can keep implementing his scheme so the team can return to defensive dominance before long. While that’s occurring, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should think long and hard about a new opportunity: running to the negotiation table to see about keeping Jefferson in town for the long haul.
The initial word was that Jefferson would look toward the offseason to negotiate a new deal, but the injury opens the possibility for all sides to shift their mindset. Consider, for instance, the word from Adam Schefter: “Here’s the other unspoken issue that could potentially lengthen Justin Jefferson’s absence: if the Vikings don’t win games and stay competitive, what is Jefferson’s incentive to rush back when he did not land the contract he wanted? His absence could last longer than expected.”
On Vikings Territory, Dustin Baker interprets those words as a signal that Jefferson may take his time with his recovery unless a new contract gets settled. Others — Dianna Russini, Luke Braun, and surely several others — are hinting at a similar perspective.
And, let’s not forget, Schefter is the one who reported Jefferson prefers to wait on a new deal: “Vikings’ All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson is not expected to sign a contract extension before Sunday’s opener, per sources. Both sides made a strong effort to get a deal done, but the plan now is to revisit after the season.”
The ESPN insider made that proclamation on September 9th. Fast forward a bit more than a month and the same insider — who, apparently, has a connection in Jefferson’s camp — is dropping hints that the All Pro and Offensive Player of the Year may not rush back from his injury.
Justin Jefferson, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and The Future of the Minnesota Vikings
Learn from the Indianapolis Colts.
Things appeared pretty bleak between the team and Jonathan Taylor, a sensationally gifted running back who has recently worked through some injury troubles. There was even some chatter about a trade involving the 24-year-old RB who has already been an All Pro.
While recovering on the injured reserve, though, the bridges were mended in the form of a 3-year, $42 million deal. On the brink of finding a new address, Taylor now doubles down on the team that brought him aboard in the NFL draft.
Folks, let’s not forget we’re discussing the National Football League. Almost always, money can heal any wound. Massive millions commonly function as a sweet balm to soothe any ailment, no matter how painful the recent history has been.
Since the end of last season, basically everyone involved in the impending Justin Jefferson extension agreed that a major deal was going to get done. Literally all levels of the organization — co-owner Mark Wilf, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O’Connell, and receiver Justin Jefferson — publicly agreed that a new deal was in the best interest of all parties.
As we’ve chronicled on PurplePTSD, the deal wasn’t signed. All the positive sentiments and commitments to keeping #18 happy don’t matter too much if a deal doesn’t get done.
One wonders if the recent injury will prompt a change in perspective. After all, Jefferson is now forced to redirect his attention toward getting his body back to 100%. Does that new priority mean he’ll reconsider the apparent desire to wait until after the season to do a new deal?
Most often, instructing Adofo-Mensah how to do his job is misguided, but one wonders if it’s in everyone’s best interest to begin the conversation again. If I were the GM, I’d be running to the table to begin negotiating afresh.
Put simply, this team is going nowhere fast unless Jefferson is locked-in as the cornerstone to build around. Teams that win the Super Bowl do so by leaning on elite talent. Jefferson is, without question, the team’s best player. Jefferson is, without question, a top-10 player in the NFL (probably top 5).
No one wants an injury to occur, but the time away from the field does mean there’s a new chance to secure the receiver’s long-term future in Minnesota.
Editor’s Note: Information from Over the Cap helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.