Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson received a historic contract extension on Monday that reportedly will have massive ramifications across the NFL.
The Vikings rewarded Jefferson with a four-year, $140 million extension that includes $110 million guaranteed and $88.7 million due at signing, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. explained why the guaranteed money included in Jefferson’s new deal raised some eyebrows in league circles.
“These deals are often jazzed up to look stronger than they are with fake money, early outs and soft guarantees. Not this,” Dehner stated. “It was clear as day. The previous high mark for money fully guaranteed at signing for a receiver was $52 million for Tyreek Hill in Miami. Jefferson landed $89 million. League sources said the $35 million average value didn’t come as a shock, but those guarantees were eye-opening.”
Jefferson bet on himself by declining an extension prior to the 2023 season that would’ve paid him $28 million annually. The three-time Pro Bowler is one of the best players at his position, so it was expected that he would receive a deal that resets the market.
Jefferson’s extension likely will provide the framework for deals for Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase and Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb. Both receivers are waiting to receive new extensions this offseason, so many will be interested to see if their respective teams choose to exceed the deal that Jefferson received from the Vikings.