Could the New York Jets trade for Justin Jefferson?
The New York Jets are all-in on the 2024 season. What would be a more all-in move than bringing in the NFL’s best receiver?
Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson is seeking a new deal. He is currently scheduled to play the 2024 season on the $19.7 fifth-year option. He was not spotted at Minnesota’s voluntary OTAs.
WR Justin Jefferson, who has been in talks with the Vikings regarding a contract extension, was not spotted at the team’s training facility today for the start of organized team activities, per team sources. pic.twitter.com/CveEKWYMWw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 20, 2024
However, according to one report, Jefferson was seen elsewhere: in Florham Park, New Jersey, where the Jets’ practice facility is located.
Sources: Star WR Justin Jefferson was spotted in Florham Park, NJ, over the weekend, which is where the Jets facility is located.
Jefferson is looking for a new contract with the Vikings. It’s possible MIN could trade him if they can’t come to terms on a new deal (opinion)
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) May 20, 2024
If the Vikings and Jefferson fail to come to an agreement, could the Jets pull the trigger to reel him in?
While this may cause the hype among Jets fans to reach frenzied levels, the reality is that the chances the Jets acquire Jefferson are razor-thin. For one thing, Minnesota just drafted a rookie quarterback; it is unlikely that they would allow their elite receiving weapon to leave.
For another, the Jets have no cap space. They currently have $2.3 million in effective cap space, per Over the Cap. Jefferson will be seeking to top A.J. Brown’s $32 million average annual value for the highest receiver contract in the league. While the Jets could always restructure contracts, there’s little way to clear that amount of space.
The clincher, though, would be how much it would mortgage the Jets’ future. There’s already significant discussion about how the team will afford contract extensions for Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, Jermaine Johnson, and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Acquiring Jefferson would likely force the Jets to allow more than one of their young stars to hit the open market or leave via trade.
As elite as Jefferson is, Joe Douglas has not shown an inclination to mortgage the future too badly. Therefore, even if Jefferson moves, the Jets are an unlikely destination.
Still, at least for a moment, let Jets fans dream. Joining Jefferson with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams would raise the team’s Super Bowl aspirations to a more realistic possibility. He’s been spotted near the premises. Maybe LeSauce will go recruiting.
