Jared Allen Urges Vikings to Invest Big in Justin Jefferson

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NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

As June approaches, Minnesota Vikings fans are anxiously waiting for news about a contract extension for their superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. With mandatory minicamp on the horizon, there’s still no deal in place, though fans and media members remain confident that an agreement will eventually get done.

Jared Allen Wants Justin Jefferson In Purple

Today, Vikings legend Jared Allen appeared on Kay Adams‘ show “Up and Adams” and weighed in on the situation, urging general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to get a deal done, no matter what it takes… even if it’s $40 million per year.

Allen highlighted how Jefferson creates numerous opportunities on the offensive side of the ball and emphasized his value to the team, even in games where he isn’t producing massive numbers.

Adams: Are you into the idea of paying Justin?

Allen: 100%, pay him. Back the truck up.

Adams: He could push for 40 mil.

Allen: Give it to him. He changes the game, he opens up the run game, he gives you the ability to score anytime, anywhere. He is a quarterback’s best friend, so if McCarthy is going to be your franchise QB, you cannot let him go. He becomes a centerpiece of your team. You have to protect him on the O-line. He has the ability to change games, and what that does to a defense—playing against the Megatrons of the world—you have to put two on him. So even if he has a game where he doesn’t have 200 yards, the fact that you have to assign two people to him all the time just makes it harder to play defense and easier to play offense.

Jared Allen – Up & Adams

Jared Allen, a future Hall of Famer, understands the challenge of defending against a superstar receiver. He acknowledges that even on their off days, top receivers can be incredibly tough to handle. That’s why he’s adamant that the Vikings should pay Justin Jefferson, even if it means shelling out $40 million a year.

Related: Is Justin Jefferson the One Holding Up Contract Talks with Vikings?

No one really knows for sure why it’s taking so long for the Vikings and Justin Jefferson to reach an agreement. Jefferson still has one season left on his contract, and negotiations are expected to continue throughout the offseason.

Justin Jefferson hasn’t been at the start of OTAs, but he’s been spotted around Minnesota, including at a Timberwolves game. Hopefully, this means he’s ready to get back to work soon.

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