The Minnesota Vikings witnessed a tumultuous 2023 season marred by injuries, notably sidelining standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The WR’s return from the setback saw him resume his stellar form, and offered a glimmer of hope for fans.
However, the Vikings now face some crucial roster choices, none more critical than the fate of quarterback Kirk Cousins and the decision regarding Jefferson’s future. As Cousins approaches free agency and discussions about Jefferson’s contract intensify, the Vikings find themselves at a crossroads heading into the 2024 season.
Update on Justin Jefferson contract situation
The negotiations surrounding Justin Jefferson’s contract extension have hit a snag, and recent reports suggest that it is not merely about the money. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio shed light on an internal rule within the team regarding contract extensions.
According to Florio, the franchise is adamant about fully guaranteeing money only in the first year of a contract. He drew parallels to the fully guaranteed contract they offered Kirk Cousins.
“I can confidently say that JJ is very patient, but his patience will have its limits. And the problem continues to be not the dollars, but the structure. The Vikings are one of the few teams that will not fully guarantee beyond the first year of the contract for anyone other than Kirk Cousins,” Florio said in an interview with Paul Allen on KFXN-FM 100.3.
Florio also cautioned that the Vikings risk squandering an opportunity by failing to address Jefferson’s contract promptly. He advocated for the Vikings to prioritize fairness and recognize his contributions by offering him the extension he rightfully deserves.
Justin Jefferson himself hasn’t been silent on the matter. During an interview with Sirius XM’s Adam Schein at Super Bowl radio row in Las Vegas, Jefferson didn’t shy away from expressing his aspirations to “break the bank” with a substantial contract extension. While the Vikings initiated discussions with him prior to the 2023 season, their efforts proved futile.
As one of the premier wideouts in the NFL, the receiver’s ambitions will undoubtedly extend beyond personal gain to potentially resetting the market with his impending deal. Currently, players like Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp, and Davante Adams hold the top spots for the highest average annual salaries for wide receivers.
How much does Justin Jefferson earn at Vikings?
Justin Jefferson earned a base salary of $2,399,473 in 2023, which had a cap hit value of $4,175,437. However, the real kicker came with the fifth-year option for 2024, which the Vikings exercised. It will guarantee him a whopping $19,743,000.
The foundation of the WR’s financial prowess lies in his initial four-year, $13,122,805 contract. The lucrative deal was fully guaranteed, and included a hefty signing bonus of $7,103,856, establishing an average annual salary of $3,280,701.
As speculation about a potential extension swirled around him, some analysts projected Justin Jefferson becoming one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league. Former Vikings general manager Jeff Diamond estimated a substantial five-year deal valued at $172.5 million, with an impressive $125 million guaranteed.
Justin Jefferson witnessed a slightly truncated 2023 season due to injury, but his on-field performance remains formidable. Even in just 10 games, he managed to amass impressive stats, recording 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns.
Do you think that the Vikings should lock him up for a lengthy tenure by signing him to a blockbuster deal?
