Justin Jefferson (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
An NFC heavyweight reportedly contacted the Minnesota Vikings about a trade for superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson before he signed a record-setting deal on Monday.

All trade discussions surrounding Justin Jefferson ended once the Vikings extended him a $140 million deal over four years. The deal makes the LSU product the highest-paid non-quarterback player in NFL history.

On the latest edition of “The Adam Schefter Podcast”, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that several teams spoke to the Vikings about a potential trade for Jefferson. One of those clubs was the star-studded and reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers:

“Never, ever got close. There were teams that reached out…The New York Jets reached out about Justin Jefferson. The Indianapolis Colts reached out about Justin Jefferson, you know that? The 49ers reached out about Justin Jefferson, you know that?”

Schefter stated that the teams inquired about a Jefferson trade before the 2024 NFL Draft, but the NFC North told them they had no intentions of trading the 24-year-old. The NFL insider added that trade discussions “never went anywhere.”

The 49ers already have the best set of skill position players in football, with reigning rushing champion Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle.

So, adding Justin Jefferson to the roster would have made the 49ers overwhelming favorites to win the Super Bowl. Fortunately for most other teams, Minny told San Francisco no before the record-setting deal with JJ was signed.

Justin Jefferson Is Staying Where He Belongs

It’s too easy for sports fans and analysts to envision league-altering trade ideas with the game’s top players, but there was never a doubt that Justin Jefferson was going to stay in the Gopher State long-term.

Jefferson is the best wide receiver in football, and he’s only in the early stages of his prime as he enters his age-25 season. The Vikings used the No. 10 pick on Michigan QB JJ McCarthy, and it would have been foolish to trade a superstar weapon like Jefferson during the rookie’s development.

But by extending Jefferson, the Vikings have reminded their fans that they’re committed to building a long-term winner. A McCarthy-Jefferson duo should keep Vikings fans optimistic for years to come.