As the Minnesota Vikings continue to work toward a contract extension with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team has included Jefferson in discussions as they search for their next quarterback, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
“Needing to know and being a part of a collaborative process, which Justin is, are two different things,” O’Connell said. “I’ve felt very strongly about keeping him informed. He’s been in the loop. He’s been aware. He’s allowed to articulate things to me via our relationship, and that’s really been through this whole process.”
The Vikings are looking to find their next franchise quarterback after Kirk Cousins, who Jefferson had a “strong” relationship with, signed a four-year deal worth up to $180 million with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jefferson, who was the Vikings’ top receiver last year despite playing just 10 games, is entering the final year of a four-year contract in 2024. Retaining the three-time Pro Bowler will be a top priority for Minnesota this season, and finding the right quarterback for him could go a long way.
Shortly after Cousins signed with the Falcons, the Vikings signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. The former San Francisco 49er played limited snaps behind Brock Purdy last season but showed promise in his sole start against the Los Angeles Rams when he threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and picked up another touchdown on the ground.
While Darnold could be a viable option, the Vikings might be looking to find their next quarterback in the draft. Minnesota has the No. 11 and No. 23 picks in the upcoming draft, but could also trade those picks to move up.
Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, who are Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department’s top three quarterbacks, are projected to go within the top three. Trading up to get into the top three would take a sizeable haul from the Vikings. They could still land a solid quarterback option like J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix if they move up slightly or hold their current position.
