It's a pretty good Monday for the Vikings Justin Jefferson. He just got a big pile of cash.
The Minnesota Vikings announced that their star receiver has agreed to a contract extension that will make him the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The deal is worth a reported $140 million over four years. $110 million of that is guaranteed.
"Justin is an exceptionally talented player and an incredible person that I am honored to coach and have as a team captain," said head coach Kevin O' Connell in a statement. "His positive energy and love for the game shows up every single day as he works to be the best at his craft. As coaches, we will do our part in helping him maximize his ability. I'm grateful to the Wilfs, Kwesi, Rob Brzenzinski and our staff for ensuring one of the brightest stars in professional sports will continue his career as a Minnesota Viking."
Jefferson posted a video to his Instagram saying this is the day he's been waiting for since he was a little kid.
"To be given a gift to play football at the highest level, it's a gift, it's a blessing of the highest honor," says Jefferson.
It's taken a bit to get Jefferson to agree to a deal to remain in Minnesota. He was entering the final year of his rookie contract and turned down an extension offer prior to the 2023 season. Jefferson didn't participate in the Vikings' offseason program or OTA's, which are both voluntary.
Jefferson also missed all of the Vikings' 2023 voluntary workouts before reporting for mandatory minicamp as he worked through negotiations.
Last season, Jefferson was leading the NFL in receiving yards (543) when he suffered a right hamstring injury in Week 5. The start of his career has him in elite company and easily makes him one of the top receivers in the NFL.
Jefferson, the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year when he led the NFL with 128 receptions and 1,809 yards receiving, has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his four seasons. His average of 98.3 yards per game is the highest in NFL history -- for any career span.
He is set to play this season on the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, worth $19.743 million, fully guaranteed.
"Over the first four seasons of his career, Justin entrenched himself as the best wide receiver and one of the most electric players in the NFL," said a statement from owners Mark and Zygi Wilf. "He is a special talent, a committed teammate and an excellent representative of the Vikings. Justin has earned this contract, and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time."
Now the question becomes who will throw Jefferson passes this year after longtime QB Kirk Cousins signed a free-agent deal in Atlanta. The Vikings signed journeyman QB Sam Darnold in the offseason, but then drafted Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy at number 10.
Viking preseason will begin on August 10 and the regular season kicks off in New York against the Giants September 8.