
<p>The<strong> Minnesota Vikings</strong> find themselves in a waiting game as star wide receiver<strong> Justin Jefferson</strong>‘s return is delayed for at least one more game. The team officially announced that Jefferson has been downgraded to “out” for the upcoming clash against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, keeping him on the injured reserve list as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury.</p>



<p>Jefferson’s setback stems from the October 8th game against the Chiefs, leading to the decision to place him on injured reserve, sidelining him for a minimum of four games. Having completed the mandatory duration, Jefferson returned to practice earlier this week, participating in limited sessions.</p>



<p>Despite earning a “questionable” injury designation on Friday, the team’s consensus leaned towards a cautious approach, opting to delay his return. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, expressing concern on Wednesday, deemed a comeback against the Saints as “a little aggressive.”</p>



<h2>Jefferson’s Patient Approach: Vikings Trust in Addison as Receiver Takes Extra Recovery</h2>



<p>Jefferson echoed this sentiment on Thursday, emphasizing his reluctance to play if not at full health, specifying he wouldn’t return at 80 or 90 percent capacity. Ultimately, the collective decision was to keep him inactive for another week.</p>



<p>Before the injury, Jefferson had an impressive start to the season, meeting the high expectations for the fourth-year wideout. Accumulating 571 receiving yards in five games with an average of 114.2 yards per game, Jefferson showcased the form that defines his career.</p>



<p>In Jefferson’s absence, rookie Jordan Addison has stepped up admirably, amassing 534 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. As the Vikings gear up for the Saints, they’ll rely on Addison to lead the wide receiver corps, granting Jefferson an additional week to attain full recovery.</p>


Vikings Exercise Caution as Star Receiver Justin Jefferson's Return is Postponed

Vikings Exercise Caution as Star Receiver Justin Jefferson's Return is Postponed - thesportsdrops NEWS

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<p>In a move that solidifies his future with the<strong> Minnesota Vikings</strong>, T.J. Hockenson, the talented tight end, has put pen to paper on a substantial four-year contract extension worth an impressive $68.5 million.</p>



<p>This announcement, confirmed by the team itself, was reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Thursday. With an annual average value of $17.125 million, Hockenson’s renewed deal propels him to the forefront of the tight end position.</p>



<p>Arriving at the Vikings in an unexpected trade from division rivals, the Lions, during the 2022 season, Hockenson swiftly established himself as a go-to asset for quarterback Kirk Cousins in the tight end position.</p>



<h2>Rising Star T.J. Hockenson’s Impactful Journey: From Performance to Contract Extension</h2>



<p>Demonstrating his value, he delivered an impressive performance with 60 receptions, 519 yards, and three touchdowns across 10 games, notably contributing to the NFC North championship. Strategically, Hockenson’s production coincided with his contract year, allowing him to transition from a standard compensation rate to a figure surpassing the previous top-paid tight end.</p>



<p>Despite his earlier absence from training camp due to an ear infection, Hockenson’s commitment to making an impact early in the season was unwavering. Minnesota’s confidence in Hockenson was clear as they opted to invest in him, establishing the foundation for his ongoing contributions on the field.</p>



<p>As Hockenson’s contract extension story unfolds, attention is gradually shifting towards Justin Jefferson, the 2022 receiving leader, who looms as a potential candidate for his own contract extension. The Minnesota Vikings, by securing Hockenson, underscore their dedication to building a formidable team while prioritizing key players for the seasons ahead.</p>


Tight End T.J. Hockenson Signs Significant Contract Extension with the Vikings

Tight End T.J. Hockenson Signs Significant Contract Extension with the Vikings - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>According to <em>ESPN</em>‘s Dianna Russini, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-3-experienced-players-who-could-still-be-traded-after-2023-nfl-draft-20230430-SPD-3611.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota Viking</a></strong>s seem to be ready to cut ties with running back <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-disappointing-nfl-draft-picks-over-the-last-two-decades-20230426-SPD-3602.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dalvin Cook</a></strong>. Money seems to be the issue that would drive a wedge between Cook and the Vikings. </p>



<p>Cook has a $10.4 million base salary and a $14.1 million cap hit for the 2023 season, and the organization allegedly requested him to modify his compensation this season. The Vikings undoubtedly want to retain the 27-year-old, but they look willing to let him go in order to clear salary cap room. </p>



<p>Although Cook’s choices may be limited by his contract, there are still many organizations who would be keen to sign him. If things don’t work out between the running back and the Vikings, <em>CBS Sports</em> have broken down his three potential destinations.</p>



<h2>3. Arizona Cardinals</h2>



<p>The Arizona Cardinals have enough salary cap room to sign Cook. They also need help at running back behind James Conner, who, because of his injury history, could use a player of Cook’s ability to help him stay healthy. With Cook’s potential acquisition, they would have one of the best offenses in the NFL.</p>



<h2>2. Chicago Bears</h2>



<p>First of all, the Bears have the salary cap room to sign Cook, who has caused the team plenty of trouble while playing for Minnesota. The Bears may use Cook to replace D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert, and rookie Roschon Johnson in the backfield.</p>



<p>The Bears’ offense is a perfect match for Cook. Running behind a new and improved offensive line that features first-round draft selection Darnell Wright, he would have an opportunity to shine. In addition, Cook would be paired with quarterback Justin Fields, who is set for a big year.</p>



<h2>1. Dallas Cowboys</h2>



<p>It’s good knowledge that Jerry Jones enjoys making bold decisions, and such would be signing Cook. Putting the headlines aside, this change is rational from a staffing perspective. The Cowboys could use a guy of Cook’s level to complement Pollard’s performance. In addition, the 27-year-old RB would provide insurance in case Pollard decides to depart the team after the 2023 season.</p>


NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dalvin Cook in case of Vikings exit

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dalvin Cook in case of Vikings exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>Many people expected Florida quarterback <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/patrick-mahomes-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-championships-has-the-quarterback-won-20230218-SPD-3419.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Richardson</a> </strong>to dominate the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-best-offensive-free-agents-for-upcoming-season-20230303-SPD-3456.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 NFL Combine</a></strong>, and they were right. After running a 4.43-second 40-yard sprint, he also jumped 40.5″ vertically and 10’9″ horizontally, all of which put him in the top spot among quarterbacks.</p>



<p>The 21-year-old’s 40-yard sprint performance at the NFL Combine was the second-fastest mark for a first-round quarterback at the Combine since 2006, according to <em>ESPN</em>. This quarterback also set a record for the NFL Combine broad jump with a leap of 10 feet, 9 inches. As a result of his dominant performance, Richardson’s draft value has skyrocketed, and he now has a legitimate shot at being selected first overall next month.</p>



<p>Even though Richardson has already shown to be one of the most fascinating players in this class, what position in the NFL would he be most suited for? It’s safe to say he’s a green quarterback, but should he rest for a year or is he ready to start on Day 1? <em>CBS Sports</em> have suggested the top three destinations that would be the best matches for Richardson.</p>



<h2>3. Detroit Lions</h2>



<p>As Dan Campbell took over as head coach, the Lions finally had a winning record for the first time since 2017. Similarly, Detroit is on the upswing after almost qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2016. </p>



<p>Although Jared Goff has Campbell’s approval, he is not the long-term solution for the quarterback situation. Richardson can sit back and learn from the experienced quarterback and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before taking over for Williams and Jameson in a couple of years.</p>



<h2>2. Minnesota Vikings</h2>



<p>Even though it’s very doubtful, Richardson’s best landing location would be with the Vikings. To begin with, Kevin O’Connell is a youthful, offensively-minded head coach who has already had a significant impact in the NFL. </p>



<p>Included on the Vikings’ roster are the outstanding running back Dalvin Cook and the NFL’s top wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. Richardson could back up Kirk Cousins and maybe take over for him in a smooth transition.</p>



<h2>1. New York Giants</h2>



<p>According to rumors, Daniel Jones wants an annual salary of at least $45 million. What about franchise-tagging Jones and selecting a quarterback with even greater athleticism, someone like Josh Allen, who played quarterback at Wyoming? The work that Brian Daboll accomplished in Buffalo with Allen was on full display for everybody to see.</p>



<p>Putting Richardson in New York with the current NFL Coach of the Year would be the ideal fit for him. In considering where Richardson should settle, the most crucial factor is in how he can best further his development.</p>


Minnesota Vikings

Vikings Exercise Caution as Star Receiver Justin Jefferson's Return is Postponed

Tight End T.J. Hockenson Signs Significant Contract Extension with the Vikings

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dalvin Cook in case of Vikings exit

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Anthony Richardson

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