Even in a sobering, mistake-filled, awful-start-to-the-season loss, an inescapable truth hovered over the Vikings organization with a loud reminder that something critically important remains unsettled.
The price tag for Justin Jefferson is not going down.
The team's ownership and management can shelve contract talks with Jefferson's camp until the offseason, but the cost of keeping their superstar in Minnesota will only increase during this pause.
The contract impasse with the franchise's most popular and important player created an awkward story line as the Vikings kicked off a new season Sunday with a 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jefferson had his usual brilliant performance with nine catches for 150 yards, most of his production coming in the first half. He was one of the lone bright spots on a day that landed with a thud.
That Jefferson made it to the opener without a new contract represented the first loss of the season.
Nothing on General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's offseason agenda carried more importance than signing Jefferson to a long-term extension. Nobody has leaked what Jefferson's camp is seeking in compensation, but unless he's asking for stakes in the team and part ownership of Lake Minnetonka, there is only one suitable outcome.
Negotiations figured to be complicated because the assumption is that Jefferson's deal will be historic in nature, undoubtedly a record for wide receivers.