Does Justin Jefferson Contract Extension Impact Fantasy Football?

Read Time:2 Minute, 3 Second

MINNEAPOLIS – Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson signed a four-year contract extension to remain with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal is up to $140 million. Now that he’ll stay with the Minnesota Vikings, it could have a major impact on fantasy football this year.

The one question everyone will have is regarding Jefferson’s production while having rookie Quarterback JJ McCarthy throw the ball. This will be interesting to watch because if Jefferson shows a great rapport with McCarthy during the off-season and pre-season, then not only will fantasy football owners take Jefferson early as expected but they could also gamble on McCarthy in the first six rounds as Quarterback 1.

Jefferson is still a top-three pick, regardless of any “fears” that his production will dramatically decrease while not having Kirk Cousins throw the ball. It’s not wise to suddenly pass on Jefferson though some may rather wait until the second round to select him due to the fear of having McCarthy throw the ball. It’s a risky idea because in the usual “snake draft”, someone will take Jefferson with the last pick of the first round, followed by a splash selection with the first pick of the second round. Ironically, this remains a slight possibility.

Anyone with the last overall pick in the first round must be ready to steal Jefferson should the other fantasy football owners make the critical mistake of passing up on him. Jefferson may fall to the late first or second round in a select few leagues despite being in multiple Pro Bowls.

Yet, an overthinker might make such a decision, leaving an opportunity for mid-first-round selection or later. Fantasy football owners should be mindful of such an opportunity if it happens. Jefferson only played ten games last season but recorded 1,074 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

It’s also likely that McCarthy, rather than Jayden Daniels, will be the first rookie quarterback off the board. In fact, based on likely production, McCarthy should be the first rookie quarterback selected. That’s not saying McCarthy is the best among him, Daniels, and Caleb Williams. He’s the most likely to be highly productive in terms of scoring points.

A duo of Jefferson and McCarthy may do more than simply pan out. Although any rookie quarterback would almost certainly be a backup on any fantasy football team, it’s important to view McCarthy as a viable number-one quarterback at some point.