Minnesota Vikings’ No. 18 Justin Jefferson during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
David Burdine | Getty Images
The Minnesota Vikings and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson have agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Monday. According to NFL Network, the deal is worth $140 million, of which $110 million is guaranteed, making Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The 24-year-old will remain in Minnesota through the 2028 season.
“I would not be in this position without my family and their support. I am extremely grateful to them for instilling in me a fundamental sense of gratitude and the fire of competition,” Jefferson said in a statement. “I want to thank the Wilf family, Kevin O’Connell, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the entire Vikings organization for trusting me to help lead this team. Thank you for starting with Start with all my teammates and coaches as a player and get the best of SKOL!
Since entering the league as a first-round draft pick in 2020, Jefferson ranks sixth in receptions, second in yards and tied for 11th in touchdown receptions despite missing seven games last season. He earned Pro Bowl recognition in his first three seasons, including being named a first-team All-Pro in 2022 after leading the football team in catches (128), yards (1,809) and yards per game (106.4).
Jefferson is the fifth player in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in his first four seasons (the others are Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, A.J. Green and Randy Moss).
Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings watches on the sidelines before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Ryan Kang | Getty Images
“We are excited to sign Justin and I want to thank him, his family, his representatives, our staff and especially Rob Brzezinski and Emily Bardis, along with the Wilf family, helped seal this landmark contract. “Justin has been proven to be NFL-ready from the moment I arrived in Minnesota. One of the best players on and off the field, we are excited to have him be a cornerstone of our franchise for a long time to come. He is a living embodiment of our culture and he brings a joy to the process and our goals. We are so excited for Justin and his family.
Minnesota went 7-10 last season and finished third in the NFC North. Part of their lackluster season was due to injuries, with Jefferson missing significant time and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 8. Signed with the Atlanta Falcons and Vikings in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
