The Chicago Bears’ wide receiver room has improved from one of the worst in the NFL to one of the best following an offseason in which the Bears added veteran Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and youngster Rome Odunze to join DJ Moore. Even though Allen is a free agent after this season, the Bears are in a good position with Odunze in the first year of his rookie contract (if signed) and Moore under contract through 2025.
That fact has lessened the incentive for the Bears to attempt to reach a contract extension with Allen at a time when the wide receiver market keeps going up with each passing day.
The Minnesota Vikings appear to be learning that lesson, given the ongoing contract negotiations with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. With organized team activities beginning this week for many teams, contract disputes are taking center stage, with all eyes on Jefferson and the Vikings.
Jefferson is a free agent after this season and was not among the participants at the Vikings’ workout on Monday.
Chicago Bears fans are dreaming of not having to deal with Justin Jefferson in the NFC North.
While there was speculation towards the end of the 2023 season and into the offseason that the Vikings may look to trade Jefferson and go through a semi-rebuild after veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons., it seems that Minnesota is attempting to remain competitive. Whether the Vikings’ starting quarterback to open the season is veteran Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy, the plan moving forward still involves Jefferson being the focal point of the offense.
A player such as Jefferson skipping the start of a team’s offseason program is often the first step that leads to an eventual deal taking place.
