In an offseason marked by surging wide receiver salaries, Justin Jefferson reset the market by agreeing to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings.
The $35 million annual average makes him the highest-paid player in his position, trumping the $32 million average of A.J. Brown's extension. It also makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback. Jefferson will receive $110 million in guaranteed money from his new deal.
However, the mega deal will commence in 2025 after the Vikings exercised a $19.743 million fifth-year option for Jefferson, covering his 2024 season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 3, 2024
The #Vikings and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson have a new deal to reset the WR market and make him the NFL's highest-paid non-QB, sources tell me & @TomPelissero.
It's a mammoth, 4-year extension worth $140M — $35M per year — with $110M guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/g8Tk8DbLmj
Jefferson deserves the hefty pay because he has been among the league's best wideouts. Last season, he still recorded 1,074 receiving yards despite missing seven games due to a hamstring injury. Before that shortened season, the former LSU standout has elevated his game in his first three seasons.
He established what used to be the rookie record for receiving yards (1,400) in 2020, to go with seven touchdowns. A year later, Jefferson finished with 1,616 yards and ten touchdowns. He won the 2022 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year after establishing career highs in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809).
However, as Jefferson gets the deal worthy of his production, he will undergo an adjustment period with a new starting quarterback. Head coach Kevin O'Connell will decide whether Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy will throw passes to the three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro wide receiver.
-Lance Fernandez