The Minnesota Vikings‘ 2023 season has been filled with ups and downs. A lot of those downs have been injuries, including to wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
However, the superstar WR is back and still dominating like he has for years. As one of the best receivers in the game, what is Jefferson’s contract?
What Does Justin Jefferson’s Contract Look Like?
Jefferson was drafted with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Vikings. In response, he signed a four-year, $13,122,805 contract that was fully guaranteed. The contract included a $7,103,856 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $3,280,701.
In 2023 specifically, though, Jefferson will earn a base salary of $2,399,473 and carries a cap hit of $4,175,437. After this season, Jefferson will play on the fifth-year option in 2024. The option, which the Vikings picked up in April 2023, is worth $19,743,000 fully guaranteed.
Since being drafted, Jefferson has caught 375 passes for 5,648 yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s a three-time All-Pro (one-time first-team, two-time second-team) and three-time Pro Bowler. He was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 when he also led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards.
Jefferson’s 4,825 receiving yards in his first three seasons were more than any player had ever totaled through their first three seasons in the history of the league. In 2023, he didn’t extend those historic numbers, but it was mostly due to a hamstring injury that caused him to miss seven weeks.
As one of the best receivers in the NFL, it’s likely Jefferson will want to reset the market in his new deal. The current top three receivers in average annual salary are Tyreek Hill ($30 million), Davante Adams ($28 million), and Cooper Kupp ($26.7 million).
Jefferson will be 26 years old when his current contract ends. The Vikings and Jefferson engaged in some contract talks prior to the 2023 season but were unsuccessful.
MORE: Highest-Paid Wide Receivers in the NFL
“I’m in a different situation,” said Jefferson. “I’ve done something that no one has ever done in the history of the game. So my situation is a little bit different than everyone else’s.”
Jefferson’s legendary career extends beyond just the NFL. He was a part of LSU’s 2019 team, which went 15-0 and won the national championship. He spent three seasons in Baton Rouge, catching 165 passes for 2,415 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was named second-team All-SEC in 2019.
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