NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that the Minnesota Vikings have signed Justin Jefferson to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with a guaranteed $110 million, citing sources.
In an attempt to allay Minnesotan concerns, Jefferson shared the news on social media and declared that he had finally signed “the deal I have been waiting for since I was a little kid.” Not long after, the Vikings made the announcement.
Through his hefty agreement, the three-time Pro Bowler not only resets the wide receiver market but also becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
With Jefferson’s new contract, the offseason drama that had grown tense with rumors comes to an end. Up until now, a number of wideouts had been awarded large contracts: Amon-Ra St. Brown of Detroit; A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith of Philadelphia; Jaylen Waddle of Miami; Nico Collins of Houston; Michael Pittman and Calvin Ridley of Indianapolis; and Tennessee’s free-agent splash.
With his new contract worth $35 million annually, Jefferson surpasses San Francisco’s Nick Bosa as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league and eclipses Brown’s record-breaking agreement announced in April. Pelissero also noted that Jefferson, who is currently under contract until the 2028 campaign, received a $89 million fully guaranteed signing bonus.
Regarding Justin Jefferson’s contract, Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell says, “Everything will get worked out.”
Jefferson has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers since entering the league as a first-round selection in 2020 and putting up unprecedented results deserving of such a significant investment.
According to NFL Research, Jefferson has 5,899 career receiving yards, which is over 400 more than any other player in NFL history, and he is one of only five players to have 5,000 or more in his first four seasons. With at least 50 games played, his 98.3 receiving yards per game record is also the highest in NFL history. Over the previous four seasons, he has increased his average by 8.7, 95.1, 106.4, and 107.4 yards per game.
In 2022, Jefferson had his best season ever, leading the league in catches (128) and receiving yards (1,809) to win both his first All-Pro selection and the AP Offensive Player of the Year title. Due to a hamstring injury in 2023, Jefferson faced hardship in the aftermath of his incredible year, but he still exceeded the 1,000-yard threshold in 10 games.
After Kirk Cousins left in the offseason, Jefferson will have a new quarterback in 2024. Either youngster J.J. McCarthy or veteran Sam Darnold will be the next to profit from Jefferson’s outstanding play. With his pay check in order.
The Vikings’ eagerly anticipated deal for Jefferson arrives just in time for the team to start practice on Tuesday when mandatory minicamp kicks out.
