Former Minnesota Vikings great Jared Allen has chosen his side in the emerging drama around receiver Justin Jefferson.
Allen, who starred with the Vikings from 2008-2013, joined Kay Adams on Up & Adams this week. Adams and Allen discussed the rumors around Jefferson and his contract status. He’s coming due soon and has high desires. But Minnesota hasn’t budged yet.
There were rumors that Minnesota planned to trade up to draft LSU’s Malik Nabers, thereby replacing Jefferson, who the team was then rumored to trade.
Allen made no bones about where he stands. The former Viking legend said the team needs to back up the truck for the star receiver.
“100 percent,” Allen told Adams about paying Jefferson, after he had suggested Minnesota shouldn’t pay Kirk Cousins. “Pay him. Pay him. Back the truck up. Give it to him,” he said, even after Adams suggested he could reach $40 million per year.
“If [J.J.] McCarthy’s going to be your franchise quarterback, you cannot let him go,” Allen told Adams. Allen continued to wax poetic over Jefferson and praised his abilities and how he makes it difficult for opposing defenses.
Whether the Vikings will pay Justin Jefferson is now going to be one of the most intriguing things to watch away from the field.