The Minnesota Vikings have secured star wide receiver Justin Jefferson with a four-year, $140 million contract extension, including $110 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Jefferson confirmed the news on social media, expressing his excitement, and the Vikings quickly followed with an official announcement.
This massive extension not only redefines the wide receiver market but also makes Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. With a new annual salary of $35 million, Jefferson surpasses the previous top contracts of wide receivers like Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Miami’s Jaylen Waddle, Houston’s Nico Collins, and others. The deal also sees him surpass San Francisco’s Nick Bosa as the highest-paid non-QB in the league. The contract includes $89 million fully guaranteed at signing and keeps Jefferson with the Vikings through the 2028 season.
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Jefferson’s journey from a first-round pick in 2020 to one of the NFL’s most thrilling playmakers has been marked by record-breaking performances. He is one of only five players to surpass 5,000 receiving yards in his first four seasons, amassing 5,899 yards—nearly 400 more than any other player in that span. His average of 98.3 receiving yards per game is the highest in NFL history, a mark he’s improved annually.
Jefferson’s standout season came in 2022, leading the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards, earning him the AP Offensive Player of the Year award and an All-Pro honor. Despite a hamstring injury in 2023, he still surpassed 1,000 yards in just 10 games.
Looking ahead to 2024, Jefferson will play with a new quarterback following Kirk Cousins’ offseason departure. Veterans Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy will likely step in to capitalize on Jefferson’s talent.
Jefferson’s contract extension arrives just as the Vikings commence mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
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