Justin Jefferson’s massive extension sets a new mark for wide receivers

The Minnesota Vikings are keeping standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson with a record-setting contract extension.

Jefferson, the three-time Pro Bowl selection who has established himself as one of the NFL’s most spectacular players, has agreed to a four-year, $140 million deal with the Vikings that makes him the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback. The extension runs through the 2028 season.

The Vikings and Jefferson confirmed the agreement. The contract terms were confirmed by a person familiar with the deliberations.

Jefferson’s existing contract was to have expired following the 2024 season. There had been trade speculation about Jefferson, although the Vikings had said they were intent upon retaining him and signing him to an extension.

Jefferson was named the NFL’s offensive player of the year in 2022. He must play the 2024 season without quarterback Kirk Cousins, who left the Vikings in free agency in March to sign a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency and used the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL draft in April on J.J. McCarthy.