WR Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings agree to record-setting $140M contract extension

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a four-year, $140 million extension on Monday.

Jefferson’s deal averages $35 million per season, surpassing Nick Bosa’s $34 million average as the highest by a non-quarterback in the NFL. According to sources, the contract includes $110 million in guaranteed money.

The Vikings announced Monday morning that Jefferson agreed to an extension that runs through the 2028 season but did not disclose financial terms. Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement that Jefferson has “earned this contract, and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time.” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah added: “From the moment I arrived in Minnesota, Justin has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited about having him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come. He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful dedication to process and our goals. We couldn’t be more excited for Justin and his family.”

Jefferson shared a video message on Instagram captioned: “Something that once was a dream is now my reality. There are so many people that I can sit here and thank but you all know who you are that helped me along the way. But we ain’t stopping here…. There’s more to be done… SKOL!!!!!!!”  In the video, Jefferson said: “The time has finally come. The deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid. 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.”  Thanking his parents, brothers, agent and Vikings’ front office staff, coaches and fans, Jefferson ended with: “Y’all set the tone. Y’all set the mood. Y’all set the energy,” Jefferson said in the video. “And I’m definitely excited to set the energy for five more years. … This is the start of it, but we ain’t done yet. Just wait.”

Jefferson ranks sixth in receptions, second in yards and is tied for 11th in touchdown catches since entering the league as a first-round selection in 2020. He earned Pro Bowl nods in his first three seasons, including First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022 after leading football in both receptions (128), yards (1809) and yards per game (106.4). Jefferson has averaged 98.3 receiving yards per game — the most in NFL history for any career span — and his average of 6.5 catches per game is the second highest of any receiver in his first four seasons.

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