The Minnesota Vikings struck gold when they selected wide receiver Justin Jefferson out of LSU with the No. 22 overall pick.
It didn’t take long for Jefferson to make an impact in Minnesota, with the talented young star making the Pro Bowl in his first season and following that up with two All-Pro selections.
With Jefferson getting better and better with every passing season, the Vikings star has entered the conversation for the best wideout in the NFL, along with Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders.
After racking up a career-high 1,809 receiving yards on 128 receptions in 2022, Jefferson continues to prove his worth to the Vikings, and as a result, the team has exercised his fifth-year option, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Vikings have officially exercised the fifth-year option for star WR Justin Jefferson, source said, perhaps the biggest no-brainer on earth (only slight hyperbole).
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2023
Here are some fan reactions to the Vikings exercising Jefferson’s fifth-year option:
Unprecedented
— Joshua Terry (@_joshuaterry) April 25, 2023
Have to think that the 49ers follow suit here and do the same for Deebo Samuel.
— East Bay Chris (@EastBayChris) April 25, 2023
Jefferson and Richardson about to run the league 💪 #skol pic.twitter.com/Rgw3sEEa9W
— jason (@spardisjx) April 25, 2023
BEST WR IN THE LEAGUE
— 🧟♂️ (@JYRDI) April 25, 2023
Very cool, now when do we extend him?
— Mauricio Flores (@Mflores1275) April 25, 2023
At some point in the near future, the Vikings are bound to make Jefferson the highest-paid player in the league at his position, and few would argue with the team’s decision to do so, considering what he’s been able to accomplish in three seasons in Minnesota.
The real question for the Vikings moving forward is whether it will be veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing Jefferson the ball or a talented young quarterback that the team wants to pair with their superstar wideout.
Although Cousins will almost certainly be the starter for Minnesota to start next season, Minnesota is likely looking to the future and could decide to bring in a quarterback in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, with a few intriguing options.
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