The Vikings have a very good receiving core. Jefferson, Addison, and Osborn to name the starters. However, where does KJ stand with Justin Jefferson bound for an extension and J.A. just getting drafted? The answer to that question can be a very broad variety.
For starters, KJ has been amazing for Minnesota. For a 3rd string receiver, he has had a huge impact on some huge games. Whether it was the Panthers game or the amazing Colts game, he made his mark. With how consistent he continues to be with elite receivers in front of him, it kind of is shocking how well he performs. If there are some questions about his performance, KJ has logged 110 catches, 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past 2 seasons. Which, for a third-string, is phenomenal. Being behind JJettas and Thielen in both of those seasons, it isn’t easy to produce those numbers. Especially with an offense that still had a very strong running game. While all this production has been happening, some questions have faded away: Will he be the 2nd receiver? More importantly, will he get an extension?
Based on the current atmosphere of the Vikings, I totally see KJ getting, at most, a 2 year extension. If not that, a one year extension. As I had previously mentioned, this is a guy who has probably been the Vikings best, and consistent, WR3 in a very long time. He has put up near identical numbers in back-to-back seasons behind two very good receivers. It also isn’t like these numbers were sub-par, these numbers for a third-string are amazing. A lot of people seem to forget about how much KJ brings to the table. I mean, you could bring up the argument that he was a massive reason as to why the Vikings beat the Colts this year. KJ started out as what lots of fans considered “a waste of a pick”, but now KJ has evolved into a premier WR3. I could totally see him getting a 2-year extension worth 10-12 million from the Vikings.
In conclusion, KJ is a staple in this offense. The amount of times he has bailed Kirk out after a busted play is pretty crazy. KJ has the grit, health, and strength to stay on this Vikings team for maybe his entire career, but I guess that question will be answered after the 2023-2024 season approaches.
