MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 09: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a win against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

With just one year remaining on his rookie contract, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been widely mentioned in trade rumors over the past few weeks.

The Vikings haven’t given any hints that they’re open to trading Jefferson. But in a business-first league, Jefferson can certainly be had if Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah gets an offer he can’t refuse.

Just about any team could use the league’s No. 1 wide receiver in their offense. But among possible suitors, the Los Angeles Chargers especially make sense as a landing spot for the 24-year-old.

The Chargers just hired former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh to turn the franchise around. The Bolts need more star power to compete with the top AFC heavyweights, and a player like Jefferson would do wonders with a borderline top-five QB like Justin Herbert.

The Bolts should offer Minnesota the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft plus a 2025 second-rounder for Jefferson. That’s a fair price for a superstar wideout that’s in the midst of his prime, and with a massive contract extension looming.

Trading for Jefferson means LA can cut one (or both) of veteran wideouts Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. A Jefferson-Herbert connection immediately makes the Harbaugh-coached Chargers a contender, while a “mushy middle” team like Minny would get two valuable early-round picks to help accelerate their rebuild.