Will a Justin Jefferson Extension Get Done By Sunday? Reports are Conflicting

The deadline is rapidly approaching. If the Vikings don't finalize a massive contract extension with Justin Jefferson's representation before kickoff on Sunday, it won't be happening until next offseason. And while that could be completely fine, it would also create the slightest bit of uncertainty around Jefferson's future.

So, is it going to happen? There have been some conflicting reports, which suggests even the involved parties may not be sure if this thing gets done by Sunday.

On a recent episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling said that "every indication that we have is that it looks on track to be done by this weekend." That falls in line with reporting from The Athletic's Diana Russini, who wrote this: "Based on my conversations, this is looking to be a contract that will be announced (and celebrated) very soon."

But then there's this from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who went the other way in saying some NFL people believe it "would be a mild upset" if the Jefferson deal gets done before Week 1.

The Vikings have been trying to extend receiver Jefferson's contract, but some people inside the league believe getting something done by Week 1 kickoff would be a mild upset. Perhaps Minnesota can pull it off, but the team has at least three years of contractual control due to a fifth-year option in 2024 and the ability to franchise-tag him after that. That alleviates pressure. And as was told to me, Jefferson is comfortable playing this year out in the absence of the right offer — one that is sure to alter the market when completed, given his stature as one of the game's best players regardless of position.

So that's intriguing. Three days out from kickoff, it seems like either outcome is still in play. Because Jefferson will be playing either way and still has two years left on his rookie deal, it's not as if something has to get done right now. But if it doesn't, the price may only go up — and next offseason could get interesting.

If I had to guess, I'd say it's more likely than not that it gets done and announced in the next couple of days, based on Goessling's reporting. At the same time, it certainly doesn't seem like a sure thing.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all season long.

Subscribe to the Inside the Vikings newsletter

Follow Will Ragatz on Twitter