The Minnesota Vikings have finished their most important task in the 2024 offseason by signing wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a contract extension. The four-year, $140 million contract is the most in average annual value ever for a non-quarterback, as is the $110 million in guarantees is also a record.
The move signals multiple things. The front office, led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, are not afraid to give their best players top-of-the-market contracts. They did so with tight end T.J. Hockenson last year and gave edge rusher Danielle Hunter a pay raise to market value. If you fit into their long-term plans and you are a great player, they will pay you. It's a message to the rest of the league how the Vikings are going to operate.
With the move, the Vikings have more cap space at $27 million. There are a lot of different things they could do with the money, including making some immediate moves to help the 2024 roster.
Vikings' potential roster moves post-Justin Jefferson extension
Extend Christian Darrisaw
This is the biggest no-brainer of the group. Darrisaw was selected by the Vikings with the 23rd selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, capitalizing on a top talent falling into their lap due to a sports hernia. Darrisaw had to have a second surgery before his NFL debut.
Once he did make his debut, Darrisaw proved himself to be a talented left tackle. He has evoked comparisons to San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams and his dominance has made the comparisons fair. Getting an extension done now could save the Vikings a few million dollars.
Extend Camryn Bynum
When the Vikings selected Bynum in the fourth round out of California in the 2021 NFL Draft, they immediately mentioned that he would be moving to safety. It felt odd at the time, but his athletic profile wasn't strong enough to survive at cornerback.
Once he made the move, it made all the sense in the world. Bynum had all the intelligence and intangibles to thrive at safety and he's played 2,352 snaps over the last two years. Once Harrison Smith decides to retire, Bynum will keep the safety room in great hands.
Sign Calais Campbell
The defensive line free-agent pool is very poor right now. There isn't a lot of talent left as you can imagine. However, there are still some intriguing names to take a look at. One of those is Campbell, who could still have some left in the tank at age 37. His length being over 35" could be a massive addition for the Vikigns both on gameday and on the practice field helping the likes of Jonathan Greenard and Dallas Turner learn how to use their length on the field.
Sign Michael Thomas
The WR3 spot is in major flux right now. Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield are all competing for the spot. However, none of them is exactly an attractive option for the third wide receiver spot.
Bringing in a veteran would be a smart move and Thomas fits the bill. Now, it's fair to say that Thomas might be washed. He has battled numerous injuries over the past four seasons where he has played less than 1,000 total snaps. However, giving him an incentive laden contract to be the third wide receiver and fourth option could end up paying off. Thomas is at his best playing the role of a power slot and would be able to do that here as well.
Extend Harrison Phillips
The Vikings' defensive line is in a horrid spot with the lone bright spot being Phillips. They signed him to a three-year, $18 million contract before the 2022 season and his performance has gotten better each week. Giving him an extension would both reward him for his performance over the first two seasons while also making sure the line is not in more dire straits heading into the 2025 season.
How much is going to be the key. Giving Phillips, a non-elite player, too much money wouldn't be a smart move either. He is a very solid piece who is starting caliber but how much are you willing to commit to that player? If you can get a deal done in the $10 million range then it's worth it.
Make sure to check out our home page every day for the best and latest Minnesota Vikings news and analysis.
