The announcement of Darnold’s signing with the Vikings has fans believing that Justin Jefferson may leave Minnesota.

Being one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, Justin Jefferon‘s aspirations of signing a lucrative deal aren’t that lofty a goal. However, earning a massive paycheck isn’t the only ambition; Jefferson would love to bag a ring or two. But will he be able to do so with Sam Darnold?

Monday, March 11, saw the league’s ‘legal tampering period’ kickoff, with franchises signing and trading players left, right, and center. With the blow of losing Kirk Cousins to Atlanta, the Minnesota Vikings switched to their backup plan. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the word coming out of Minnesota was that they would try for a veteran free agent.

The Vikings decided to go with Sam Darnold. His 1-year, $4.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers ended with a Super Bowl appearance. But he only played one game, which the 49ers lost, and he hasn’t been a regular starter since the 2021 season with the Panthers.

If the Vikings intend to give Darnold the starting job, he has big shoes to fill. Although Cousins only recorded one playoff win in six seasons, he was a very reliable regular-season quarterback with a 54-41-1 record. With him off the book, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s primary objective would be to confirm Justin Jefferson‘s stay.

Will Justin Jefferson extend his stay in Minnesota following Sam Darnold’s addition by the Vikings?

Adofo-Mensah remains optimistic that his star player will agree to an extension. Despite the trade rumors, the thought of parting with the LSU graduate has never crossed his mind. He is committed to giving Jefferson his desired contract, and that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

Deals rarely happen after three years. With two years left [on Justin Jefferson’s contract], there’s uncertainty that somebody has got to hold. Either the club has got to hold it or the player has got to hold it.

Adofo-Mensah said, as per The Ringer

"Justin Jefferson is NOT very happy right now" - Vikings signing 49ers QB Sam Darnold as Kirk Cousins' replacement doesn't sit well with Minnesota fans on social media

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (#14) walks off the field after the NFL, American Football Herren, USA professional football game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers on January 7, 2024 (Image via IMAGO)
But everything depends on finding a quarterback who can help Justin Jefferson reach the heights he wants to. Either Darnold returns to the form he had during his first couple of years with the Jets or, as the Vikings hope and prey, a good QB falls down the order to the 11th pick in the next draft. Fans were quick to put up their thoughts across social media platform X on this situation.

Even though Adofo-Mensah is positive about Jefferson’s extension, he will have to be smart about using the finances. It involves Cousins, who restored his contract a year ago. Despite leaving Atlanta, there will be a $28.5 million salary cap hit in 2024. The Vikings currently have $32 million in cap space, and as per CBS Sports, Jefferson’s projected payday, is an annual $30 million.