Vikings seek new deal with Justin Jefferson; star WR absent so far from workouts, AP source says

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have one major piece of roster management remaining on their agenda before the regular season: signing superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a contract extension.

Without a new deal in place, Jefferson was absent on Monday when the Vikings held their first of 10 allowable organized team activities, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the club was not making details public. Tuesday’s on-field drills were scheduled to be open to reporters.

The Vikings are still in the voluntary phase of the spring sessions, so Jefferson is not obligated to be in the building. Only minicamp from June 4-6 is mandatory.

Jefferson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year whose 5,899 receiving yards are the most in league history through a player’s first four seasons, also chose last year to work out away from team headquarters during the offseason. He took part in minicamp and was full go for training camp despite the lack of a new deal after negotiations between the Vikings and his agency began last spring.