Justin Jefferson is missing from the Minnesota Vikings’ practice opener. The wide receiver is in the final year of his contract and is targeting a record salary

Justin Jefferson didn’t show up for the Minnesota Vikings’ practice opener. For now, that’s no cause for alarm for the franchise.

After all, participation is voluntary at this point. The receiver superstar was also absent last year, and it is not unusual for top performers to be absent this early in the preparation anyway.

What makes the whole thing even more explosive: Jefferson is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract in 2024 – an extension is definitely due if the Vikings want to keep their top pass receiver.

And it won’t be cheap

Crack the all-time record for Jefferson?

Jefferson, who has rushed for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns so far, is likely aiming for nothing less than a record contract. The highest-paid receiver at the moment is Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, who gets 30 million dollars a year. The highest-paid non-quarterback is defensive end Nick Bosa (49ers), who receives 34 million dollars. It is quite possible that Jefferson would even like to break this sound barrier.

“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with Justin,” said coach Kevin O’Connell. “I hope we can get him on the team. We want him here as much as possible, but we also know there are a lot of factors that play a role.”

Last year, Jefferson started training with the team at the time of the signing and has been involved in pre-season training ever since. The question is whether it could come to 2024 that he increases the pressure on those responsible by his absence in the summer. Which would then be a holdout.

“I hope we can keep him in the team,” emphasized O’Connell. “Obviously he’s a very special player, but it goes beyond that, especially at this time of year, because he just has so much energy and the way he comes into this building and gets to work and the way his teammates respond to him. “