By Alec Lewis and Dianna Russini
Jun 3, 2024
More than a year ago, in January 2023, a handful of Minnesota Vikings legends gushed about Justin Jefferson.
Fran Tarkenton said he was “amazed” by Jefferson’s athleticism, speed and ability to catch anything. Cris Carter said that the way Jefferson spoke about wanting to be legendary, to break records, reminded him of Randy Moss. Sammy White shared that he thought Jefferson could break all of the franchise’s lofty benchmarks. Jake Reed, meanwhile, thought forward.
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“I hope, when it comes time to negotiate and redo his contract, the Vikings don’t let him get out of there,” Reed said. “Because he is a franchise-changer.”
The Vikings heeded Reed’s advice. On Monday, after more than a year of negotiations, Jefferson agreed to terms on a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed, league sources said. Jefferson’s deal includes $88.743 million due at the contract signing. The deal will not only make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL but also the highest-paid non-quarterback.
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“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. … This is the start of it but we ain’t done yet.”
Minnesota secured the services of its best and most marketable player at a time of organizational transformation. The Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, moving on from veteran Kirk Cousins after five seasons. Minnesota also possesses a massive amount of cap space for 2025 and beyond even after this extension.
Inking Jefferson required time. The Vikings first broached the extension with Jefferson’s representation at William Morris Endeavor in the leadup to last year’s season opener. The two sides neared a deal. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah even said publicly they came “unbelievably close.” Ultimately, structure became a hangup, and Jefferson felt comfortable entering the season without a new contract.
GO DEEPERJustin Jefferson extension is now No. 1 priority for VikingsHe suffered a hamstring strain in Week 5, which slowed a blazing start to the season. Still, Jefferson finished with more than 1,000 yards in 10 games played. The missed time did not affect Jefferson’s historical standing. He still has more yards (5,899) through the first four seasons of his career than any receiver in history ahead of Michael Thomas, Moss, CeeDee Lamb, Torry Holt and Jerry Rice.
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That’s why the Vikings ponied up for Jefferson. The wide receiver market has climbed considerably in the last couple of years.
“Over the first four seasons of his career, Justin entrenched himself as the best wide receiver and one of the most electric players in the NFL,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement. “He is a special talent, a committed teammate and an excellent representative of the Vikings.
“Justin has earned this contract, and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time.”
Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown received massive extensions in recent months. As the price for Jefferson increased, the Vikings maintained the same perspective. Head coach Kevin O’Connell reiterated Jefferson was essential to the team’s plans, and Adofo-Mensah even termed Jefferson the “king linchpin.” He is now in every sense of the word, having topped San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa’s record annual average value for a non-quarterback.
The reason Adofo-Mensah called Jefferson the “king linchpin” is because of what Jefferson means for McCarthy, the rookie quarterback. Jefferson will not only serve as a safety valve for McCarthy, especially in third-and-long situations, but he is also an upbeat and positive captain who has never complained about targets nor touches. McCarthy’s development hinges on plenty of factors, but one of the feathers in the Vikings’ cap is the surrounding skill players, and none is more important than Jefferson.
NFL's highest-paid non-QBs
| Player | Team | Position | Average salary |
|---|---|---|---|
Vikings | WR | $35 million | |
49ers | DE | $34 million | |
Eagles | WR | $32 million | |
Chiefs | DT | $31.75 million | |
Lions | WR | $30 million | |
Dolphins | WR | $30 million | |
Jaguars | OLB | $28.25 million | |
Dolphins | WR | $28.25 million | |
Giants | OLB | $28.2 million | |
Steelers | OLB | $28 million |
*salary data via Spotrac
Required reading
- Has the NFL wide receiver market reached a breaking point? How much is too much?
- Vikings GM on trading Justin Jefferson: ‘Not something that has ever crossed my mind’
- Vikings offseason: A 10-step plan to set the franchise up for the present and future
(Photo: Ryan Kang / Getty Images)
