Justin Jefferson trade rumors: 49ers, Jets, Colts eyeing Vikings WR ahead of NFL draft | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The San Francisco 49ers have “consulted” with the Minnesota Vikings about possibly trading wide receiver Justin Jefferson this offseason, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

At the time, it looked like the Niners might need a new No. 1 wideout, as Brandon Aiyuk was pushing for a new contract. Not only did Jefferson stay in Minnesota, but Aiyuk also signed a four-year extension with San Francisco.

Schefter reported that the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts “showed some interest” in Jefferson, but the Vikings ended talks.

Much like Aiyuk, there was a lot of contract intrigue surrounding Jefferson that theoretically made a trade possible this summer. Minnesota put an end to that by signing him to a new contract worth a combined $140 million.

That made the 25-year-old the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, and he told reporters during training camp that his injury-plagued 2023 season has affected how he approaches this year.

“I’m so scared of it happening again that I’ve been overly cautious about it,” Jefferson said. “Just trying to take care of my body the right way, just trying to find new things that I can implement in my daily life that can help me better as the season progresses. I’ve definitely been working on my hamstrings a little bit more, making sure I’m injury-resistant.”

A right hamstring injury limited Jefferson to 10 games in 2023. During an episode of the Netflix reality show ReceiverIt turned out he had a “severe” strain, which typically required a recovery period of eight to 10 weeks.

Despite the injuries, Jefferson finished the year with 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns, his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season. He currently holds the NFL record for receiving yards in his first four years in the league with 5,899.

Minnesota looks a little different this year after the departure of longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent after six seasons with the Vikings. The team signed veteran backup Sam Darnold and selected former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in April. Darnold was named the starter after McCarthy underwent season-ending surgery on a torn meniscus.

Having Jefferson on the field is even more important because Darnold needs as much talent around him as possible. The Vikings will need their star wideout to stay healthy if they want to return to the playoffs.