Former Super Bowl champ wants Justin Jefferson to attend Vikings OTAs for the simplest reason
A lot has been made, whether it be logically or illogically, about the future of Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings. He didn't show up to voluntary OTAs, which has naturally furthered the conversation of whether or not he stays in Minnesota after 2024. Another wild trade rumor has also cropped up since OTAs began and […]
A lot has been made, whether it be logically or illogically, about the future of Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings.
He didn't show up to voluntary OTAs, which has naturally furthered the conversation of whether or not he stays in Minnesota after 2024. Another wild trade rumor has also cropped up since OTAs began and honestly, it's all just kind of a mess, right now. In terms of the speculation, of course. Not between Jefferson and the Vikings.
Voluntary OTAs are voluntary, ultimately. A lot of veterans, more specifically, established ones like Jefferson, don't really need to partake in them. But, still, there is value from starting at ground level with your teammates.
A guy like Jefferson can also show some guys tips and tricks to help make them better players, as former Super Bowl champ Brandon Powell pointed out on Wednesday.
"I want to see him today," Powell said when asked if he expects to see Jefferson during mandatory minicamp. "It's good to see him around [because] we learn a lot from watching him. So, you know, once he gets back I know he's gonna be ready to go. I'm not worried about it."
Powell certainly has a point. For non-established guys, OTAs can be massive. So, having the established guys around, helping, only makes them better and makes the team better.
Think about Josh Metellus and Ivan Pace Jr. – where would those guys be without the offseason program?
"I know last year, this time, I was all over the field and I was sewing myself into the scheme and you know, being with Coach 'Flo [Brian Flores] and building that relationship led me to the role I had for the team last year," Metellus told reporters recently.
All Metellus went on to do, last year, was have the best year of his career. Now, he's an established starter on the Vikings defense.
Ultimately, Jefferson isn't doing any harm by not showing up for OTAs. There are certainly benefits that come from his participation, but as long as he's there for mandatory minicamp and training camp – don't listen to the noise.
