June 3 (UPI) — All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract deal, his agency, WME Sports, announced Monday.
The agreement, which includes a $110 million guarantee, will make Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He will be under contract until 2028.
Jefferson and the Vikings both stated that they had agreed to an extension but did not divulge the specifics.
“Something that was once a dream is now my reality,” Jefferson posted on Instagram. “I could thank so many people here, but you all know who you are and how you helped me along the way.” But we’re not stopping here. There is more to be done.”
Jefferson also shared a video on Instagram. He praised God, his family, supporters, and the Vikings for their contributions to his football journey. Through his first 60 NFL appearances, the No. 22 overall pick in 2020 caught 392 passes for 5,899 yards and 31 touchdowns.
In 2022, Jefferson led the NFL with 128 catches for 1,809 yards. He also had nine touchdowns in 17 starts that season. He had at least 1,400 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, en way to Pro Bowl selection.
Jefferson had 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns over 10 games last season, which was cut short by a hamstring injury.
“The time has finally come,” Jefferson declared in his Instagram video. “I’ve been waiting for this deal since I was a kid. I was doubted throughout my career, not highly recruited, and not the first receiver off the selection board.
“This whole journey wasn’t easy for me.”
The Vikings, who begin mandatory minicamp Tuesday in Eagan, Minn., will enter the 2024 season with a new-look offense after quarterback Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
The roster includes quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy (first round pick), Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall. Jordan Addison and Brandon Powell joined Jefferson.
The Vikings also begin minicamp with Aaron Jones, an off-season addition, leading the running back group. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, who had a season-ending knee injury last year, is currently rehabilitating from offseason surgery.
