The Justin Jefferson Trade Price
Start off with a simple reality: Vikings WR1 Justin Jefferson isn’t for sale. If, however, Minnesota decides to do something stupid, then a trade needs to begin with a pair of 1sts.
The 26-year-old receiver has made a habit of breaking NFL records since getting drafted at No. 22 in the 2020 NFL Draft. Very reasonably, Jefferson is viewed as the cornerstone player on Minnesota’s roster. Removing him would almost certainly lead to the roster structure toppling. Is there nevertheless a haul that could pry him away?
Trading Justin Jefferson Means a Pair of 1sts
Philadelphia WR1 A.J. Brown is a nice comparable.
Admittedly, Brown is coming off a tough season, lessening the enthusiasm about his abilities. He is, nevertheless, an exemplary talent. Originally a Titan, Brown became an Eagle back in 2022. The trade cost was a 1st (No. 18 in 2022) alongside a 3rd (No. 101). Consider, as well, that Philadelphia extended Brown to a four-year deal worth $100 million.
Needing to pay major money on the back end of the deal is important context, a reality that contributes toward lessening the draft picks Tennessee could demand.
The Tyreek Hill trade adds further clarity.
Kansas City did tremendously well when shipping Hill to the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs moved on from its WR1 in March of 2022. Journeying over to Kansas City was a 1st (No. 29), 2nd (No. 50), and a 4th (No. 121). Plus, the Chiefs added a 4th (No. 122) and 6th (No. 178) in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tally up the haul and the Chiefs landed a 1st alongside four more draft picks. Not too shabby, eh?
Finally, remember that Stefon Diggs got shipped out by the Vikings to land the pick that was used on…Justin Jefferson.
The Bills wanted Diggs. Minnesota decided to sell, moving out the talented receiver for a 1st (No. 22), 5th (No. 155), and 6th (No. 201). Those picks arrived in 2020. In 2021, Minnesota had a 4th added, too (No. 134). Former GM Rick Spielman loved his 7th-Round selections, so note that he sent a 7th with Diggs to the Bills.
At least in a general sense, the Vikings can step away from these examples with some broad takeaways. A very talented, game-changing receiver requires a 1st and then much more.
Justin Jefferson isn’t going to be traded unless he demands to be traded. The Vikings, left to just what the franchise wants, won’t be moving out the receiver. Even if Jefferson did request a trade (he hasn’t), then the Vikings may still opt to keep the all-time great player.
Nevertheless, the takeaway: trading out Justin Jefferson would require a minimum of two 1st-Round selections. After all, he’s better than all of Brown, Hill, and Diggs.
Now, that’s an assertion that requires clarification. Landing the No. 1 pick is far different from landing the No. 32 pick. Both are opening-round selections and yet there’s a huge chasm in value. Landing top-five selection is different from snagging something down in the twenties.
In reality, a team that would acquire Justin Jefferson would be one that’s knocking on the door. Buffalo, for instance. As a result, the pick would arrive lower in the 1st and therefore require a future 1st.
Basically, prying away Justin Jefferson would mean sending over a QB trade haul. Two opening-round selections and then more would be the starting point. Anything less means hearing the phone line go dead.
Almost certainly, Justin Jefferson will be a Viking in Week 1. What could happen, however, is a trade involving Jordan Addison.
