Justin Jefferson (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Justin Jefferson has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason. So far, he’s stayed put. However, there’s talk of a possible draft-day move.

The Minnesota Vikings haven’t made much progress in their contract negotiations with the wide receiver, who is approaching the final year of his deal. One would think they would have been more eager to lock a receiver of Justin’s caliber down, but they’re taking their time.

Their patience is slightly more understandable when you consider that the wideout is likely to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. But ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio has suggested that the Vikings could trade him to the Washington Commanders in exchange for their No. 2 overall pick and draft Jayden Daniels on Thursday.

The Vikings have two first-round picks for this year’s draft, which suggests they could be keen on trading up. But you’d probably struggle to find an NFL GM who wouldn’t at least think about giving up his team’s pick in a straight swap for Jefferson. Of course, such a deal would depend on whether the Commanders are convinced that Daniels is their man.

What Might The Vikings Have To Give Up Along With Justin Jefferson?

Florio has proposed that the Vikings could send Jefferson and the 11th pick to Washington in exchange for their No. 2 pick and their second-round, No. 36 pick.

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Jefferson hasn’t expressed a desire to leave Minnesota, yet he might be frustrated by the fact that the team is dragging its feet on his extension. Plus, one can’t help but wonder whether his admitting jealousy over Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase getting to play together in the pros hints at him wanting to join the Cincinnati Bengals.

For now, it doesn’t appear that the Vikings are excited about paying Jefferson, so they could just trade him and start fresh instead of stretching what could be the inevitable.