The Minnesota Vikings started their OTA’s on Monday and everyone in attendance could feel what the preparation for the new season will bring. A new quarterback in J. J. McCarthy is the to take control of the offense and his presence in the building is needed early and often on the practice field to start creating chemistry with his wide receivers, especially the leader of the group, Justin Jefferson.
But there is one small problem. Just like everyone feels the new season, they could also feel the absence of their star wideout. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jefferson was not seen at the team’s training facility at the start of organized team activities, and it is believed it has to do with his contract situation.
The former LSU star is entering the final year of his rookie deal and he will be making $19.7 million on the fifth-year option of this contract, and of course he wants to secure his future in Minnesota.
The Vikings and the receiver have been in talks about a new contract extension, but a lack of progress led him to send a message of his unhappiness with the negotiations.
Will he be a no-show if no extension is reached soon?
Minnesota has six days of OTA’s scheduled for the remainder of the month of May but what is coming up in June is different. The organized team activities are voluntary, and players may skip them without any repercussion even if there is any hard feelings from people in the organization against players that actually don’t show up.
However, from the 4th day of June until the 6th the minicamp will be held and if Justin Jefferson does not show up for that, he will be fined. It is a tense environment in Minnesota as of late, but at least there is optimism from the head coach.
Kevin O’Connell talked to Kay Adams on her show Up & Adams and expressed his confidence on the matter. “I know everything’s going to get worked out there. Justin knows the love and admiration that I have for him, and he knows he’s such a big part of what we do around here.”
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