The Minnesota Vikings and Justin Jefferson finalized a historic four-year, $140 million contract extension on Monday, according to multiple reports. This agreement makes Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback on an annual basis. Although the three-time Pro Bowler did not achieve the $40 million per year salary some anticipated, Jefferson still succeeded in betting on himself last year by declining a lucrative offer from Minnesota.
Despite not having a new deal in place by June, the Vikings remained firm in their decision not to trade Jefferson this offseason.
The 24-year-old is the latest in a wave of superstar wideouts to secure massive paydays this offseason. Still awaiting new contracts are Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers, CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys, and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Since being selected 22nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson has had an explosive start to his career. The LSU product boasts an NFL-record average of 98.3 receiving yards per game and an average of 6.5 catches per game, the second-highest for any receiver in their first four seasons.
In addition to his three Pro Bowl selections, Jefferson won the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year and was named a first-team All-Pro that season. He has consistently recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards and five touchdowns each season. His 5,899 career receiving yards are the second-most since 2020, and his 392 catches rank sixth.
Despite missing seven games last season due to a hamstring injury, Jefferson still posted 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns.
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