3 Items to Know in the Aftermath of Justin Jefferson’s New Contract Extension
Early on Monday morning, Justin Jefferson inked a new contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
His deal ensures that Minnesota’s star receiver will remain in purple for years to come and be around to help with the development of their new offense. Here are three items to know in the aftermath of Jefferson’s historic deal.
1. Jefferson Becomes the Highest-Paid Non-QB
Back in February, Jefferson stated that he wanted his next contract to “break the bank.” Well, he’s certainly accomplished that feat with his new deal. His four-year/$140 million contract carries an average annual value of $35 million with it, which surpasses Nick Bosa’s AAV of $34 million to become the highest among all non-quarterbacks.
In terms of just wide receivers, the next highest AAV is A.J. Brown, who is being paid an average of $32 million per year on his current contract. Jefferson’s guaranteed total of $110 million is by far the highest among all receivers in the league as well. Brown also carries the next highest total of practical guaranteed money, making $84 million. No one else has surpassed the $80 million mark yet.
2. The Star WR’s Contract Aligns with J.J. McCarthy’s
With the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings made J.J. McCarthy the highest-selected QB in franchise history. McCarthy’s contract now aligns with Jefferson’s extension, assuming the Vikings pick up the QB’s fifth-year option in 2028, which will be the final year of Jefferson’s new contract.
The Vikings clearly wanted to ensure that their young core of talent on the offensive end remains together for the long-term. Minnesota now has all four of Jefferson, McCarthy, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison under contract through the 2027 season. This should be viewed as the updated Super Bowl window for the team.
3. All Eyes Turn to Christian Darrisaw
Jefferson’s contract saga has concluded, thus opening the door for another to take place. Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2021, has been one of the best left tackles in the entire league over the past couple years.
Currently, the highest paid offensive tackle in the NFL is Penei Sewell, who signed a four-year contract with the Detroit Lions that will pay him $112 million over the course of four seasons, averaging $28 million per year. Expect Darrisaw’s contract to come close to this number when the time arrives.
Editor’s Note: Information from Spotrac helped with this article.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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