Amid the offseason uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers checked in on Justin Jefferson’s availability earlier than this 12 months’s NFL draft, however the Vikings had zero curiosity in buying and selling the star large receiver and instantly rebuffed San Francisco’s inquiries, league sources instructed ESPN.
The 49ers weren’t the one staff to verify in on Jefferson. The Jets and Colts additionally had some degree of curiosity, however the Vikings by no means thought of transferring the three-time Professional Bowler and talks by no means went wherever, in keeping with sources.
These inquiries got here earlier than the Vikings signed Jefferson to a file deal in June, making him the highest-paid large receiver in NFL historical past. Inquiring groups thought they may be capable to tempt Minnesota into enticing commerce packages, however the Vikings solely have been concerned about re-signing one of many league’s prime gamers.
San Francisco faces Jefferson and the Vikings on Sunday, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is aware of what kind of receiver his protection might be up in opposition to.
“There’s not an angle he cannot actually run at — at full velocity and drop his weight,” Shanahan instructed reporters. “He is additionally fearless in how he performs. His fingers are pretty much as good as anybody. From what I’ve heard from individuals who have been with him, they are saying he is one of many smartest gamers that folks have been with. He is the complete package deal.”
The Vikings signed Jefferson in June to a four-year, $140 million extension that features $110 million assured, sources instructed ESPN. Lower than three months later, the Niners ended their contract stalemate with Aiyuk by signing him to a four-year, $120 million extension that features $76 million assured.
Vikings basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stated on the NFL scouting mix in February {that a} Jefferson commerce by no means crossed his thoughts — even when it could assist him commerce up for a quarterback within the draft.
The 2022 Offensive Participant of the Yr, Jefferson entered this season averaging 98.3 receiving yards per recreation — probably the most in NFL historical past for any profession span.
Jefferson, 25, set an NFL file for many receiving yards within the first three seasons of a profession (4,825) after which eclipsed 1,000 yards final season regardless of lacking seven video games — and elements of two others — due to accidents. His 1,074 yards in 2023 have been probably the most ever by an NFL participant who performed 10 or fewer video games in a season.
