In a momentous step for his career and NFL history, Justin Jefferson has secured the highest contract for a non-quarterback in the league’s history. This new deal, encompassing a four-year extension on top of the final year of his rookie contract, will keep Jefferson with the Minnesota Vikings through 2028. The specifics of the financials were not disclosed, but the contract is known to set a record.
🚨 🚨 🚨
The #Vikings and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson have a new deal to reset the WR market and make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-QB, sources tell me & @TomPelissero.
It’s a mammoth, 4-year extension worth $140M — $35M per year — with $110M guaranteed. 💰 💰 💰 😱 pic.twitter.com/g8Tk8DbLmj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 3, 2024
The announcement came from Jefferson himself, surrounded by personal football memorabilia, highlighting his journey from a young, doubted athlete to a record-setting NFL star. He expressed gratitude to God, his family, the Wilf family who owns the Vikings, Vikings’ staff, and fans. This extension follows multiple affirmations from the team’s management about their commitment to making this deal happen, underscoring Jefferson’s crucial role in the team’s future.
Since being drafted from LSU as the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Jefferson has had a spectacular rise. Over his first four seasons, he has amassed 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns, placing him among the top in Vikings’ history and the NFL at large. His performance ranks him sixth in receptions, second in yards, and tied for 11th in touchdown catches across the league since 2020, despite missing seven games in 2023.
My glorious pookie bear Justin Jefferson extended
Royce Lewis back tomorrow
Luka Doncic kidnapped by Slovenian Nationalists
JJ to JJ connection till 2029
Ant best 22 year old NBA player of all time
Guardians regression
Who has it better than me?
— ≋𝘿≋ (@VikingsDynasty) June 3, 2024
Returning from a hamstring injury in 2023, Jefferson recorded lower numbers than his previous seasons, yet still impressive, with 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. This marked his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards, a feat matched by only a select few in NFL history.
Jefferson’s record-breaking 2023 continued as he set a personal best with an average of 107.4 receiving yards per game, leading the league for the second year in a row. His exceptional ability to make catches under challenging conditions was highlighted by his leading the NFL in catches and yards on low-probability completions. His performance not only earned him Offensive Player of the Year honors from The Associated Press but also a place in the elite Madden 99 Club and the designation as the second-best player in the NFL in 2023 by ESPN.
"The Vikings never entertained the idea of trading Justin Jefferson..
The agreement is official and Justin becomes the highest paid non-QB in NFL history" @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/xji2fI9G69
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 3, 2024
His influence extends beyond the field, as he is set to be featured in Netflix’s upcoming docuseries “Receiver.” This reflects his growing status not just as a sports icon but also as a cultural influencer.
Jefferson’s ongoing impact and consistent performance suggest that his future seasons may continue to break records and set new benchmarks. His next goals likely include surpassing Randy Moss in the number of 100-plus yard games—a record he could break this season—and continuing to elevate his game under the guidance of Vikings’ coaches and management.
As he approaches his 25th birthday, Jefferson’s career trajectory points to more record-setting performances, underlining his significant role in NFL history and solidifying his place as one of the top athletes in professional sports today.
Major Points
- Justin Jefferson signed the highest contract for a non-QB in NFL history, extending his stay with the Minnesota Vikings through 2028.
- The contract’s financial details were not disclosed, but it is confirmed to set a record among non-quarterbacks.
- Since his debut in 2020, Jefferson has amassed impressive stats, ranking highly across the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
- Despite a hamstring injury in 2023, he managed to extend his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to four, joining a select group of NFL players.
- Jefferson’s influence extends off the field, evidenced by his inclusion in the Madden 99 Club, ESPN’s high ranking, and upcoming feature in Netflix’s docuseries “Receiver”.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
