Jefferson to become highest-paid non-QB in NFL history with $140m deal | Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson is ready to turn out to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past, with ESPN reporting the large 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 large receiver and some 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 top-of-the-line receivers within the league, whereas the Vikings will tie down a 24-year-old star coming into what ought to be his prime years. The deal will even give JJ McCarthy, who the Vikings drafted this 12 months as a long-term substitute 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 consequence 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 folks that I can sit right here and thank however you all know who you’re that helped me alongside the way in which. However we ain’t stopping right here.”

Jefferson turned down a brand new deal firstly of final season, selecting to wager on his expertise to shine by and internet him more cash. That wager has paid off: the contract extension would common $35m a 12 months, in comparison with the $28m a 12 months the Vikings supplied him final season. Different NFL groups had made inquiries a couple of commerce for Jefferson however Minnesota have been adamant they might hold him.

The contract will even set a benchmark as different gifted 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.