Vikings Rumors: Climbing for a QB, an NFC North Jumble, & The Jefferson Contract Decision
K. Joudry
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We’ve officially transitioned into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors are going to be coming fast and furious.
As a result, I’m returning to the “Vikings Rumor Wrangle,” a series I’ve leaned on previously to keep readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the rumblings about moving up in the draft, the NFC North’s wild week, and a completely unsuspenseful decision involving Justin Jefferson.
The Vikings Rumors – 04.26.2023
Rumor #1 – The Vikings Will Aggressively Climb the Draft Board to Steal a QB
Maybe. Maybe not. My guess is no.
Entering the event with a measly 5 picks certainly dampens enthusiasm for an aggressive push up the board. Borrowing from future years to supply more picks is more than possible, a strategy that’s commonly used to bridge the compensation gap. And, of course, snagging a young thrower does fulfill Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s vision for the team.
For whatever it’s worth, Rick Spielman recently tossed a bit more gasoline onto the Hendon Hooker fire. In an interview with KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the former GM compares the college QB to Teddy Bridgewater. Some Vikings fans will see those words and be more intrigued by Hooker; others will conclude they don’t want anything to do with the Tennessee Volunteer.
The current vantage point suggests that moving up would be difficult. Keep an eye on Jaren Hall, Clayton Tune, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah opts against a RD1 QB. And, potentially, Hooker if he slides into Day 2.
Rumor #2 – The NFC North Got Put in a Blender
Aaron Rodgers? He has finally(!) been sent to the Jets. The upstart Kardiac Kitties? Rocked by a gambling scandal. What about the Bears? Not too much news from the Enemy in Illinois unless we circle back to their blockbuster trade dropping them down to 9th overall.
Even still, the week has been a doozy for the NFC North.
For the first time since 2017, the Vikings captured the division title. Kevin O’Connell will be looking to get his team to consecutive Northern crowns for the first time since 2008 and 2009. No small feat, folks.
Getting Rodgers out of Green Bay may kickstart a rebuild for the Cheesheads (at least if their All-Pro LT is to be believed). Chicago isn’t to be overlooked, but a playoff appearance (let alone a division win) would be surprising for the Bears.
That leaves Dam Campbell’s Lions, a team that may be struggling to get out of its own way. Can they bear the burden of expectation? They’re going to add a lot of talent in the draft after adding a lot of talent in free agency.
September can’t come soon enough.
Rumor #3 – The Vikings Decided on Justin Jefferson’s Contract
What do you think the team should have done? The 23-year-old is coming off a historically great regular season where he accumulated 128 catches, 1809 yards, and 8 TDs. The NFL gave him the Offensive Player of the Year Award for his troubles.
Minnesota tacked-on the 5th-year option to ensure they have a couple more years of #18 as a Viking. There may have never been an easier decision, folks. Ian Rapoport broke the news, referring to it as “perhaps the biggest no-brainer on earth.”
A quick rundown of some of his accomplishments:
- 1400 yards in 2020, 1616 in 2021, and 1809 in 2022.
- 324 career catches and 25 career TDs.
- 3 Pro Bowls
- Runner up for Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Second-team All Pro in 2020 and 2021.
- First-team All Pro in 2022.
- Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.
- 5th in MVP voting in 2022.
Of course, we’re just capturing a brief snapshot of what he has done. He’s a great competitor and team leader. His desire for greatness goes beyond just personal accolades to also include team success. If Minnesota somehow gets a Super Bowl in 2023, it’ll almost certainly be because Jefferson has put forth a Herculean effort.
Jefferson will remain beyond 2023. The recent news simply confirms what we all already knew was going to happen.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
