Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson just became the highest paid non quarterback player in NFL history. The deal is for four-years, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed. Also there’s $88.743 million due as a signing bonus.
BREAKING: Vikings, WR Justin Jefferson reach agreement on 4-year contract extension worth $140M, including $110M guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/SPQ8ha7Ed6
— NFL (@NFL) June 3, 2024
Jefferson reaction to the deal
“The time has finally come. The deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid,” Jefferson said in a video posted on Instagram. “Being doubted my whole career. Not being highly recruited. Not being the first receiver off the draft board. This whole journey wasn’t easy for me. … To be given a gift to play football at the highest level, it’s a blessing. It’s an honor.”
“Y’all set the tone, Y’all set the mood. Y’all set the energy,” Jefferson said in the video. “And I’m definitely excited to set the energy for five more years. … This is the start of it, but we ain’t done yet. Just wait.”
Since being selected by the Vikings with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 draft, Jefferson has 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns. Winner of the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. Jefferson has averaged 98.3 receiving yards per game which is the most in NFL history for any career span. His average of 6.5 catches per game is the second highest of any receiver in his first four seasons.
Front office reactions
“From the moment I arrived in Minnesota, Justin has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited about having him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful dedication to process and our goals. We couldn’t be more excited for Justin and his family.”
Fellow All-Pro wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Ceedee Lamb were both monitoring Jefferson’s contract situation. Both players are waiting to sign long term extensions with their respective teams. Aiyuk is skipping OTA’s in search of a contract extention.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
