Justin Jefferson is ready to change into the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past, with ESPN reporting the huge receiver has agreed a four-year, $140m contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. ESPN additionally studies $110m of the contract is assured.
The Vikings confirmed the extension on Monday morning.
“Over the primary 4 seasons of his profession, Justin entrenched himself as the very best huge receiver and one of the electrical gamers within the NFL,” Vikings house owners Mark and Zygi Wilf stated in a press release. “He’s a particular expertise, a dedicated teammate and a very good consultant of the Vikings. Justin has earned this contract, and we’re thrilled he’ll stay a Minnesota Viking for a really very long time.”
The contract extension is a win for each events. Jefferson will get the cash he believes he deserves as probably the greatest receivers within the league, whereas the Vikings will tie down a 24-year-old star coming into what must be his prime years. The deal may even give JJ McCarthy, who the Vikings drafted this 12 months as a long-term alternative at quarterback for Kirk Cousins, a dependable goal.
Jefferson was drafted No 22 general by the Vikings in 2020 and was an All-Professional in his first three seasons within the league, and led the NFL in receiving yards in 2022, when he was additionally named the league’s offensive participant of the 12 months. He missed seven video games as a result of damage final season, however nonetheless topped 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in 4 years.
“One thing that after was a dream is now my actuality,” stated Jefferson. “There are such a lot of people who I can sit right here and thank however you all know who you might be that helped me alongside the best way. However we ain’t stopping right here.”
Jefferson turned down a brand new deal initially of final season, selecting to wager on his expertise to shine via and web him extra money. That wager has paid off: the contract extension would common $35m a 12 months, in comparison with the $28m a 12 months the Vikings provided him final season. Different NFL groups had made inquiries a few commerce for Jefferson however Minnesota have been adamant they’d maintain him.
The contract may even set a benchmark as different proficient younger receivers such because the Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, the San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins look to agree new offers.