Vikings’ Jefferson says he’s unconcerned by tabled contract extension. Says opening loss hurts more

MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson didn’t sound stressed at all by the fact he and the Minnesota Vikings failed to agree on a contract extension before the regular season began, likely tabling negotiations until next spring. “I’ve done something that no one has ever done in the history of the game, so my situation is a little bit different than everyone else’s,” Jefferson said earlier this week. He insinuated the Vikings hadn’t yet been willing to meet his asking price when he said a new deal would be “up to them.” After adding another record to his list as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 25 career games with 100-plus yards receiving — he got there in 51 games to beat Lance Alworth — Jefferson didn’t hint at any ill will toward the front office or feeling of being slighted by the lack of an extension. “We would have loved to get something done with Justin, but the decision was made and I do not for one second believe that Justin is not going to put his best foot forward like he did today.” More than half of Kirk Cousins’ 273 yards passing in the first half went Jefferson, but the Vikings had to settle for a 10-all tie despite three times as much yardage as the Buccaneers.