Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb were absent at the start of their respective teams' voluntary offseason programs. These All-Pro wide receivers are eligible for a contract extension and will play in the 2024 NFL under their fifth-year option.
CeeDee Lamb left a lasting impression in the 2023 season for the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his potential with a staggering 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance was so exceptional that he became the first player in NFL history to achieve at least ten receptions and 150 receiving yards in three consecutive games.
The former Oklahoma standout will earn $17,991,000 under the option. However, Spotrac estimates his market value at an average annual salary of $28.8 million, translating to a four-year, $115.4 million deal.
Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson still finished with 1,074 yards and five touchdowns despite playing only ten games last season due to a hamstring injury. However, it's still enough to give him the most receiving yards by a wideout in his first four NFL seasons.
His fifth-year option with the Minnesota Vikings is worth $19,743,000, but Spotrac estimates his market value at an annual average of $29.4 million. Therefore, his contract extension could be four years for $117.6 million. However, he can use his first three seasons to gain leverage in the contract negotiations. Therefore, he could reset the market by earning a higher annual average than Tyreek Hill's $30 million.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson, entering the last year of a contract that is scheduled to pay him $19.74 million this season, also is not present for the start of his team's voluntary off-season program today. https://t.co/wE6Z14Vv8m pic.twitter.com/YuabOfBBZF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2024
Jefferson and Lamb are in the final year of their contracts, so if they don't agree to an extension, they can become free agents after this season.
-Lance Fernandez