Justin Jefferson sets record for highest-paid non-QB in NFL history with contract extension

Justin Jefferson was set to enter the 2024 season in the 5th and final year of his rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Now, he’s signing a massive new deal to stay with the Vikings for the long haul.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jefferson and the Vikings have reached an agreement on a 4-year, $140-million extension that includes $110 million in guaranteed money. Jefferson is due $88.743 million at signing per the details of the contract.

That deal is a massive one and makes the former LSU star the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history and the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. His guarantee at signing is also the highest for a non-QB in history.

A record deal: the Vikings and three-time Pro-Bowl WR Justin Jefferson reached agreement on a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed and makes him not only the highest-paid WR in NFL history, but the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history,… pic.twitter.com/OAESU3dOop

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2024

Through his first 4 seasons, Jefferson is off to a historic start with 392 catches, nearly 5,900 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. He is averaging 98.3 yards per game, the most in NFL history per Schefter, and his average of 6.5 catches per game is the 2nd-highest of any WR across his first 4 seasons.

Jefferson started his career with 3 seasons of 1,400+ receiving yards and 7+ touchdowns. His best season so far came in 2022 when he delivered 1,809 yards and 8 touchdowns and was named the Offensive Player of the Year. Jefferson was limited to just 10 games in 2023 but still managed to produce 1,074 yards and 5 touchdowns, even while Kirk Cousins missed the final 9 games of the year after rupturing his Achilles.

Jefferson released a statement video on social media confirming the extension, saying “a dream is now my reality.”

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!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/q2Q6YUPAWH

— JJETS✈️ (@JJettas2) June 3, 2024

RELATED: Can Jefferson return to the form that earned him the 2022 OPOTY award? Track the latest NFL odds with SDS’s Louisiana sports betting app.

Impact of the extension

On an NFL level, it has been a busy offseason for the WR market. While a number of receivers have signed new deals, Jefferson has reset the market with new league standard for elite receivers.

For the Vikings, it was paramount that the franchise secured Jefferson for the long haul before he ever hit free agency. That became more true after the start of the offseason and the NFL Draft.

Jefferson began his career while blossoming alongside Kirk Cousins. However, Cousins is now with the Atlanta Falcons after the Vikings let him walk in free agency.

Minnesota has since turned the page at QB by drafting JJ McCarthy with a first-round pick out of Michigan. He is clearly the long-term plan for the Vikings, even if he sits for the first year to acclimate to the league.

But, in Jefferson, Minnesota has solidified McCarthy will have an ultra-elite target on the outside whenever the young QB is ready.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.