Vikings young star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, has not shown up for voluntary workouts so far. Additionally, both the Vikings and Jefferson have seemed to halt extension talks, he is expected to become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Although both of those things don’t seem to matter a whole much there have been times in the past when star receivers, in their prime, expecting a new contract have been traded. Some names are Tyreek Hill (Chiefs -> Dolphins), Deandre Hopkins (Texans-> Cardinals), and A.J. Brown (Titans-> Eagles). All putting up amazing stats after being traded. It will be interesting to see how this thing plays out.
Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals receive (Justin Jefferson Vikings, 2025 5th)
Vikings receive (4th overall pick, Budda Baker, 2025 5th)
I feel like this could be the most realistic option for the Vikings. It gives them plenty of options, they can replace Jefferson with Marvin Harrison, undisputed WR1 in the 2024 draft, or draft a much-needed QB top 4. It also gives them safety help in Budda Baker along with a pick swap with the Cardinals. Additionally, they can roll out with standout rookie Jordan Addison who is expecting a breakout season. Also for the Cardinals, it gives them a superstar receiver to pair up with Kyler Murray. The last time Kyler Murray played with an All-Pro Wide Receiver was Deandre Hopkins. They are giving up a little capital but for the arguably best Wide Receiver in the NFL. Both sides win in this deal and could be a possibility on draft night.
New York Giants
Giants receive (Justin Jefferson, 177th overall pick)
Vikings receive (6th overall pick, 107th overall pick, 2025 1st)
This trade is solely dependent on who the Giants feel their QB is for next season. If they are rolling with Daniel Jones then this trade makes a lot of sense. Giving Jones an All-Pro receiver to throw to. Vikings get some capital in return and can now if needed, trade up even higher to draft a QB or take the top Wide Reciever off the board at number 6 and also have 2 1st round picks for next year. The WRs most likely available at this pick would be Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze, who are both phenomenal prospects and would be surprised if either makes it out of the top 10. Although this trade doesn’t make as much sense for the Giants, anything is possible and if Justin Jefferson is made available on draft night we may see the Giants get aggressive for him. The Giants are looking for a playmaker since Saqoun Barkely left in free agency and their current top playmakers are an aging Darren Waller and Wan’Dale Robinson.
Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers receive (Justin Jefferson)
Vikings receive (5th overall pick, 2025 2nd)
I would be assuming the new Chargers Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh, would like to build up the trenches and draft an offensive lineman with the 5th overall pick. Since that is exactly what he did at Michigan to win a national championship. But he lost all his playmakers this offseason, Mike Willams to the New York Jets, Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears, and Austin Ekeler to the Washington Commanders. So if Justin Jefferson becomes available, I am pretty sure Justin Herbert would not be complaining if they were to trade for Jefferson. They obviously need pass catchers and this would make sense. They aren’t giving up major capital and can still draft an offensive lineman in the 2nd round. For the Vikings, this would be great. They would have a top 5 pick and could possibly trade up even higher, as they already have the 11th and the 23rd overall picks. Most likely dealing the 5th and the 11th to move up one or two spots could secure them a top QB in this draft, something they hope to do after losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons.