Jefferson declined a contract offer from the Vikings that would have placed more than $28 million in his pocket each year, just twenty-four hours before the 2023 season got underway.
Realizing his childhood dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL) was one thing, but Justin Jefferson’s current status as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history speaks volumes.
According to an ESPN source, Jefferson, who was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the overall first-round choice in the 2020 NFL Draft, has officially signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes a $110 million guarantee.
WME Football negotiated a deal that states Jefferson will sign for $88.743 million. In the early hours of Monday, June 3, he consented to an extension that will last until the 2028 season. The financial terms of the entire arrangement have not been made public.
“Now is the right moment. The offer I’ve been waiting for since I was a young child,” Jefferson stated in a video uploaded on Instagram. “Having my career questioned and not receiving a lot of recruits. not being the first player selected from the draft. I didn’t find this entire journey to be easy. It is a blessing to have the ability to play football at the greatest level. It’s a privilege.
He also took a time to express his gratitude to his family and friends for their support over his journey up to this point.
“You guys set the standard. You guys created the atmosphere. “You guys created the vibe,” Jefferson went on. And I can’t wait to maintain the momentum for another five years. We have just begun, yet there is still work to be done. Simply wait.
Numerous teams reportedly made inquiries about Jefferson in the offseason, according to sources. On the other hand, the Vikings made it apparent what they intended to gain from any possible transaction. The wide receiver is a fixture in the NFL after an outstanding four years of play, with 392 grabs for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, general manager of the Vikings, stated at the time, “We think he’s the best wide receiver in the league and should be compensated as such.” “We believe he deserves to be compensated as one of the best non-quarterbacks in the league,”
Owners of the Vikings, Mark and Zygi Wilf, commented that Jefferson had “earned this contract, and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time” after learning of his historic contract. Jefferson will turn 25 in a few months.
“We are thrilled to have Justin as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come. He has continuously proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field since the moment I arrived in Minnesota,” Adofo-Mensah stated in an official statement.
He is the live embodiment of our culture because of his joyful commitment to our objectives and the process. We are incredibly happy for Justin and his family.
Jefferson declined a contract offer from the Vikings that would have placed more than $28 million in his pocket each year, just twenty-four hours before the 2023 season got underway.
The three-time Pro Bowler decided to take a chance on himself, and as a result of the contract extension, he will now average $35 million per season. In addition to taking over for pass-rusher Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, who had the highest salary of any non-quarterback in the league, Jefferson’s contract is worth $1 million more.
Jefferson, who was named the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, has star power that should be examined due to his skill sets. “The most in NFL history for any career span” is the average of 98.3 receiving yards per game that he has produced.
Furthermore, he has the “second highest of any receiver in his first four seasons” average of 6.5 catches per game.
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