Sources informed ESPN that the Minnesota Vikings and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson have agreed on a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed. This historic deal makes Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The agreement includes $88.743 million due at signing and also makes Jefferson the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. WME Football negotiated and confirmed the deal.
Jefferson, 24, turned down a deal that would have paid him over $28 million per season just before the 2023 season began. Instead, he bet on himself, and that gamble paid off. His four-year extension averages $35 million per season, surpassing the previous non-quarterback record held by San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa, who earns an average of $34 million annually.
Multiple teams inquired about trading for Jefferson this offseason, according to league sources. However, the Vikings made it clear they had no intention of trading Jefferson, who has had an impressive four-year start in the NFL.
The Vikings now turn their attention to mandatory mini-camp and the season ahead knowing they have the league’s best wideout locked down with a promising young quarterback in J.J. McCarthy in the building. Regardless of who starts week 1 at quarterback, Sam Arnold or McCarthy, the Vikings signal caller will have an outstanding cast of characters to lean on, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and newly acquired running Aaron Jones.