The Minnesota Vikings were one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL season, finishing with a 14-3 record and looking like a legitimate contender. Their success earned head coach Kevin O’Connell a massive contract extension, making him one of the league’s highest-paid coaches.
However, despite their dominance in the regular season, the Vikings’ playoff run was cut short with a disappointing 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round. Now, with an important offseason ahead, Minnesota must address key roster needs.
And while the front office works through those decisions, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has started playing the role of recruiter, hoping to lure an elite defensive playmaker to Minnesota.
Justin Jefferson Wants Myles Garrett To Join the Vikings
News broke earlier this offseason that Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett had requested a trade, looking for an opportunity to play for a contender. Upon finding out about this during a live interview, Jefferson wasted no time making his pitch.
“Myles, you know where to go, my brother,” Jefferson said in a message directed at the All-Pro defensive end. “We need about one, two extra pieces, and you’ll fill in that piece. We need you.”
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson’s pitch to #Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett:
“Myles, you know where to go my brother. We need about one, two extra pieces, and you’ll fill in that piece. We need you.”
🎥: sportsseriously via TikTok pic.twitter.com/kRDQ303L5o
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 17, 2025
Garrett, a four-time All-Pro and one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers, would be a dream addition for the Vikings. The 28-year-old is coming off another elite season, racking up 14 sacks and 28 quarterback hits in 2024. But with Cleveland in turmoil after a disastrous 3-14 season and facing financial struggles, moving Garrett could be a real possibility.
Would Minnesota Make the Move?
Bringing Garrett to Minnesota wouldn’t come cheap. His contract carries a $19.7 million cap hit for 2025, meaning the Vikings would need to make financial adjustments to fit him in. Fortunately, with an estimated $52 million in available cap space, they have the flexibility to make a significant move.
The Vikings already have a decent defense, ranking second in rushing defense, fourth in third-down defense, and fifth in points allowed last year. They finished the regular season with a PFSN Defense+ grade of 83.5 (B), which ranked third in the entire NFL. With a still-uncertain quarterback situation, fortifying the defense could be the best path to sustained success.
Minnesota’s biggest question remains at quarterback, something Jefferson also recently talked about. But if they can solidify the defense with a superstar addition like Garrett, it could take some pressure off their next QB — whoever that may be.
Jefferson has made his pitch. Now, it’s up to the Vikings’ front office to see if they can make it a reality.