Justin Jefferson made his intentions clear during a recent conversation with Mad Dog Sports Radio host Adam Schein at Radio Row about Super Bowl 58. He wants to be the highest-paid player at wide receiver.
The three-time Pro Bowler said:
“I want to break the bank and be a part of an organization that wants me and (is willing) to give me what I deserve.”
“I feel like eventually, the #Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building, but I don’t really know at this very moment, only time will tell.”@JJettas2 updates @AdamSchein on his contractual situation.
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) February 7, 2024
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The Minnesota Vikings have first dibs on negotiating a contract extension with Jefferson. He will play the 2024 season under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. Last April, the team exercised that option, earning Jefferson $19,743,000 in guaranteed money.
But since the Vikings have him under contract and he has played four NFL seasons, the former LSU standout is eligible for a contract extension. However, he won’t come cheap because he has been one of the best players in his position.
While he played in only ten games this season due to injuries, he still finished with 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. The 107.4 receiving yards per game is his highest mark in four seasons. Before the injury, Jefferson’s numbers have been astounding, increasing his yards total every year.
After collecting 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season, he had 1,616 receiving yards and a career-high ten touchdowns in 2021. He won the 2022 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award after finishing with career-highs in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809).
Those numbers make him worthy of being the highest-paid NFL wideout. But if the Vikings will grant his wish, they must consider Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams’ contracts. Hill is the highest-paid wide receiver in terms of annual average salary due to his four-year, $120 million contract.
Meanwhile, Adams is the highest-paid wideout in total contract value at five years, $140 million. Considering both deals, will Justin Jefferson command a five-year, $150 million price tag? A contract of that nature makes him break the bank in both categories.
-Lance Fernandez