Justin Jefferson contract details: Vikings make star NFL’s highest-paid WR, non-QB | Sporting News Canada

Justin Jefferson is staying in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.

The star wide receiver was set to hit free agency in 2025, but the Vikings signed him to a record-breaking contract extension Monday, solidifying him as the franchise’s cornerstone.

Jefferson has been with the Vikings since they drafted him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Following the extension, he’s under contract in Minnesota through 2028.

Here’s the breakdown of Jefferson’s extension.

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Justin Jefferson contract details

Jefferson just became an even richer man. The Vikings star receiver is receiving a record-breaking contract for wide receivers. He’ll earn $140 million over four years, good for an average annual value (AAV) of $35 million. 

Only three NFL receivers had earned $30 million or more annually before Jefferson’s extension. His $35 million AAV will blow by the preview record of $32 million held by A.J. Brown.

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And in terms of total contract value, Jefferson matches Davante Adams for the most lucrative receiver deal of all time. The difference between them? Adams’ $140 million will be earned over five years. Jefferson’s comes over four years. 

Jefferson still has a fifth-year option remaining on his rookie contract that will pay him $19.7 million before the extension kicks in. Between that and his $110 million in guarantees, the Vikings are committing a lot of resources to their star receiver, and rightfully so.

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Justin Jefferson stats

Since entering the league in 2020, Jefferson has torn up opposing defenses and consistently been one of the best receivers in the NFL.

Jefferson has recorded 1,000 receiving yards each of his first four seasons, peaking at 1,809 yards in 2022. He led the league in receiving yards and receptions with 128 in 2022 and won Sporting News Offensive Player of the Year.

Jefferson even reached the 1,000-yard mark in 2023 despite playing just 10 games. He’s also racked up 30 total receiving touchdowns, including a career-high 10 in ’21.

The star wideout has been paired with Kirk Cousins for all but six games during his career. Jefferson racked up 38 receptions for 561 yards and two touchdowns in those six contests without Cousins, good for an average of 6.33 catches and 93.5 yards per game.

Comparatively, Jefferson has averaged 6.55 receptions and 98.9 yards per game from Cousins while also grabbing 28 receiving touchdowns.

With Cousins leaving the Vikings in free agency, Jefferson will look to establish a similar rapport with Minnesota’s first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings will certainly be glad to have their No. 1 pass-catching weapon locked up to give their rookie quarterback a top-tier target for the duration of his contract (four years with a fifth-year option).