Vikings Star Justin Jefferson Signs Record-Breaking $140 Million Deal

The Minnesota Vikings have signed Justin Jefferson to a four-year contract extension worth $140 million, with $110 million guaranteed. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported the news.

Jefferson shared his excitement on social media, calling it a dream come true. The Vikings confirmed the deal soon after.

This contract makes Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The deal ends months of speculation and rumors about wide receiver contracts.

Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Nico Collins, Michael Pittman, and Calvin Ridley also received significant contracts during the offseason.

Justin Jefferson Becomes Highest-Paid Non-Quarterback

Jefferson’s annual salary of $35 million breaks the previous record set by Brown in April. It also surpasses San Francisco’s Nick Bosa, making Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. The contract, which runs through the 2028 season, includes $89 million fully guaranteed at signing, according to Pelissero.

Since being drafted in 2020, Jefferson has proven to be one of the NFL’s top playmakers. He is one of five players to have over 5,000 receiving yards in their first four seasons. With 5,899 career yards, he has nearly 400 more yards than anyone else at the same stage.

His average of 98.3 receiving yards per game is the highest in NFL history (minimum 50 games). This average has increased each season (87.5, 95.1, 106.4, and 107.4 in 2023).

Jefferson’s best season was in 2022, leading the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). Justin Jefferson earned the AP’s Offensive Player of the Year award and his first All-Pro honor. Despite a hamstring injury in 2023, he still exceeded 1,000 yards in just 10 games.

With his future secured, Jefferson is set to start 2024 with a new quarterback after Kirk Cousins’ departure. Whether it’s veteran Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy, they will benefit from Jefferson’s exceptional skills.

As the Vikings prepare for their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Jefferson’s contract extension allows the team to focus on the upcoming season.