The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, according to sources at ESPN.
The deal, which includes $110 million guaranteed, also sets a new record for wide receivers, with Jefferson receiving $88.743 million at signing.
The contract was successfully negotiated and confirmed by WME Football. Jefferson, who is only 24 years old, had previously declined a contract that would have paid him over $28 million annually just before the start of the 2023 season.
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Choosing to bet on himself proved fruitful for Jefferson, as this new extension brings his earnings to an average of $35 million per season, surpassing the previous record held by San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa, who averages $34 million annually.
Despite interest from several teams in acquiring him this offseason, the Vikings made it clear they had no plans to trade Jefferson, who has had a record-setting start to his NFL career since being drafted 22nd overall in 2020.
Over four seasons, Jefferson has accumulated 392 receptions, 5,899 yards, and 30 touchdowns.
The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year also boasts the highest average receiving yards per game in NFL history at 98.3, and his catch rate of 6.5 per game ranks second among receivers in their first four seasons.
