Justin Jefferson To Texans? Radio Host Advises Trade Request
The Houston Texans are coming off of the most exciting season in recent memory. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has reinvigorated the fanbase and lifted Houston into contention.
Now, it’s general manager Nick Caserio’s job to build on Stroud’s performance and continue to accelerate this rebuild, cementing the Texans as AFC competitors. He’s already made it clear that he isn’t afraid to be bold. Houston suffered some losses early in the legal tampering period but agreed to terms with Minnesota Vikings star edge rusher Danielle Hunter on Tuesday night.
That should offer more than enough optimism for Houston’s chances moving forward, but what if they were able to take advantage of an unhappy receiver looking for a new home?
Oct 4, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) signals after making a reception against the Houston Texans for a first down during the second quarter at NRG Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The “Zach Gelb Show” explored this idea, postulating what the league could look like if the Vikings don’t extend the best receiver in football, Justin Jefferson.
“Justin Jefferson should be annoyed right now,” Gelb said. “There is no reason why the Minnesota Vikings didn’t get this contract extension done last offseason.”
Jefferson is the premier non-quarterback on his side of the football, setting early-career records left and right and consistently dominating, even in seasons where he misses multiple games. He appeared in just nine games this season but still posted 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. In the three seasons prior, he hit 1,400, 1,600, and 1,800 yards, respectively, as he ascended to the league’s elite.
However, with quarterback uncertainty engulfing Minnesota and an extension yet to be inked, the possibility of things going south is real enough to use in a thought exercise.
“I’m starting to get to a point, and I love Justin Jefferson, I want to see him stay in Minnesota. I think Minnesota for a quarterback is a very attractive destination, but with this contract not being done yet, I would start to think about requesting a trade for the Vikings star wide receiver,” Gelb continued. “And if I’m Justin Jefferson … I’m going to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s office, say, ‘Let’s get this deal done. If we can’t get this deal done, then I’m requesting a trade.’
“And the team I request a trade to would be the Houston Texans.”
Stroud, coming off the best rookie season in recent quarterbacking history, is the primary reason any target would want to come to Houston. The Texans offer much more than a quarterback, though. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has proven himself with his instantaneous success and the defense – especially with Hunter in the fold – is dangerous.
If there’s any non-Kansas City Chiefs team that can feel good about its competitive window, it’s Houston. Frankly, that was something the Vikings weren’t (and won’t) be able to offer their superstar receiver.
“Imagine going to dominate that AFC South,’ he said. “You have C.J. Stroud, who I think right now is the fifth-best quarterback in football. And from a Vikings standpoint, you get multiple first-round draft picks. You don’t want to lose a player like Justin Jefferson, but if he’s unhappy you can trade him out of conference.”
The key word here is probably “imagine,” given that this is – at least for now – incredibly unlikely. But a move of this magnitude would make them must-watch television and arguably the most exciting team in the sport.
The offseason is the time to get weird and satiate the cravings of blind optimism. Just don’t get too excited until reports about his frustration begin.
