Jefferson becomes the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history
We interrupt our coverage of the NCAA baseball tournament for a special announcement: Justin Jefferson has become a rich man. A very rich man, in fact. Okay that still doesn’t do it justice, Jefferson’s become a historically rich man.
Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a four-year $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million in guarantees. It is the richest contract for a non-quarterback in NFL history.
“The time has finally come. The deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid,” Jefferson said in a post on his Instagram. “Being doubted my whole career. Not being highly recruited. Not being the first receiver off the draft board. This whole journey wasn’t easy for me. … To be given a gift to play football at the highest level, it’s a blessing. It’s an honor.”
Jefferson has more than earned his money. Since being drafted by the Vikings, Jefferson’s become arguably the best receiver in the NFL. He’s caught 392 passes for 5,899 yards and has scored 30 touchdowns in four seasons with Minnesota.
Jefferson made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons as a pro and in 2022 he was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Last year despite missing seven games, and parts of two others, he still eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth consecutive season. In fact his 1,074 yards were the most ever by a player who played 10 or fewer games.
To quote Ed Orgeron: “Not bad for a two-star recruit.”