Reporter explains why Vikings may drag out contract negotiations with Justin Jefferson

The Vikings may prolong their contract extension negotiations with wideout Justin Jefferson, the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year.

"We could see this heat up closer to training camp or well into training camp," Jeremy Fowler of ESPN said Monday on "The Rich Eisen Show." "I was told it's going to be tough to do because of the sheer money that would be involved, so the Vikings are going to chip away at this."

Fowler noted that Jefferson probably wants a deal to make him the league's highest-paid non-QB. Per OverTheCap, Rams DT Aaron Donald is the NFL's highest-paid non-QB with an average annual salary of $31.7M, while Miami's Tyreek Hill is the highest-paid WR ($30M per year).

Minnesota has made several cost-cutting moves this offseason, such as releasing former Pro Bowlers WR Adam Thielen and RB Dalvin Cook. However, it still only has $17.8M in cap space and potentially needs more room to accommodate a massive deal.

The Vikings have some time since Jefferson has two years left on his deal. Yet they should be proactive because the price will continue to increase, and they want to maintain their relationship with the 24-year-old.

"Every team that waited to sign a star player has ended up spending more to sign him later," wrote Mike Florio of NBC Sports. "Then there's the possibility that the foot-dragging will upset the good-natured Jefferson, making him decide that he wants out. That he wants to play elsewhere—like Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, and A.J. Brown in 2022. Once that bridge is crossed, it's hard to go back."

Plus, if the Vikings don't re-sign QB Kirk Cousins, who has one year remaining on his contract, next offseason, they could use Jefferson to attract a replacement. He led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards last season with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards in 17 games. 

So Minnesota should try to end negotiations before the start of the season and ensure that it retains its top offensive playmaker.